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On an engine failure, can I contact the tower instead of 121.5?
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Let's say I am cruising at a very high altitude with my Cessna, like at 5500 MSL, and I got an engine failure.
After going through the checklist, my engine is still not working, but I realized that I could easily land the airplane on an airport near me with my gliding speed.
Can I just talk to the airport, whether controlled or uncontrolled and take whatever runway is best for landing, instead of declaring an emergency on 121.5 and squawk 7700?
Thanks.
general-aviation emergency emergency-procedures
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
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asked 4 hours ago
skylover
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up vote
2
down vote
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Let's say I am cruising at a very high altitude with my Cessna, like at 5500 MSL, and I got an engine failure.
After going through the checklist, my engine is still not working, but I realized that I could easily land the airplane on an airport near me with my gliding speed.
Can I just talk to the airport, whether controlled or uncontrolled and take whatever runway is best for landing, instead of declaring an emergency on 121.5 and squawk 7700?
Thanks.
general-aviation emergency emergency-procedures
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
asked 4 hours ago
skylover
393
New contributor
skylover is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
Let's say I am cruising at a very high altitude with my Cessna, like at 5500 MSL, and I got an engine failure.
After going through the checklist, my engine is still not working, but I realized that I could easily land the airplane on an airport near me with my gliding speed.
Can I just talk to the airport, whether controlled or uncontrolled and take whatever runway is best for landing, instead of declaring an emergency on 121.5 and squawk 7700?
Thanks.
general-aviation emergency emergency-procedures
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
asked 4 hours ago
skylover
393
New contributor
skylover is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Let's say I am cruising at a very high altitude with my Cessna, like at 5500 MSL, and I got an engine failure.
After going through the checklist, my engine is still not working, but I realized that I could easily land the airplane on an airport near me with my gliding speed.
Can I just talk to the airport, whether controlled or uncontrolled and take whatever runway is best for landing, instead of declaring an emergency on 121.5 and squawk 7700?
Thanks.
general-aviation emergency emergency-procedures
general-aviation emergency emergency-procedures
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
asked 4 hours ago
skylover
393
New contributor
skylover is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
asked 4 hours ago
skylover
393
New contributor
skylover is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
edited 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
2,78121643
asked 4 hours ago
skylover
393
New contributor
skylover is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 4 hours ago
skylover
393
asked 4 hours ago
skylover
393
393
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skylover is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
skylover is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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Check out our Code of Conduct.
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the preferred and normal option is to talk to whoever it is you've been talking to previously. Whether that be a local tower or a regional RADAR operator.
121.5 is a frequency of last resort, and acts as an emergency fallback and catch-all.
Ultimately, you're in charge of your emergency and you make the decisions. Do you have time to mess with the radio - remember where "communicate" comes in the Holy Trinity.
That said, you should consider the advantages of talking to different people - what is making a May Day on an uncontrolled, potentially unmonitored frequency going to achieve? IF somebody is listening they MAY be able to relay a message for you but they're unlikely to be prepared to ready emergency services or search and rescue. Talking to a proper Air Traffic Service Unit is by far preferred, but it certainly doesn't need to be on 121.5.
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I'm basically going to echo what's already been said, but with a twist.
Yes, of course you can keep talking to the people you're already talking to, on the frequency you're already on. If you're actually talking to someone already, that's probably your best bet, not least because they know you're there.
In fact, especially if you're in controlled airspace, one might argue that speaking up on the radio immediately upon engine failure isn't a horrible idea, if and only if you are able to do so safely. Even a simple "Springfield tower, Cessna '345, pan-pan-pan, engine failure, attempting restart", maybe even while you're pulling out the in-flight engine failure checklist, will give ATC a heads-up that, at the very least, you won't be able to maintain altitude. That would allow them to take your situation into account when vectoring other traffic. If all they see is a VFR GA plane starting to descend, for all they know that's perfectly intentional maneuvering on your part.
Only if you can't reach anyone (who is able to help) on the frequency you're currently on does it make sense to consider fiddling with the radio to switch to 121.5. Fiddling with the radio to change frequency should be well down your mental list of actions to take.
The same reasoning applies to the transponder; you certainly can change to 7700 if you want to and you feel that it is appropriate, but you don't have to. Squawking 7700 will cause your radar return to light up like the proverbial christmas tree at ATC, but saying mayday or possibly declaring emergency is also a pretty good way to get peoples' attention in a hurry.
Once you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate in restarting, and especially if you realize that you'll be able to make a controlled (but forced) landing on the nearby airport, I'd pretty much just treat it as an ordinary landing, with the caveat of declaring at least pan-pan-pan, possibly mayday, and telling ATC that you have no engine power. Let them deal with the other traffic and just focus on executing a safe landing and vacating the runway as quickly as you are able, but no quicker.
If you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate, and that you can't make it to the nearest airport, well, that's when a forced outfield landing likely becomes a tempting option. Telling ATC (possibly on 121.5, with the above caveat on whether you're already talking to someone) what your position and intentions are will still allow them to get help out your way in case you do botch the landing. If you do make it down safely, be sure to tell them, relaying via another aircraft if necessary.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate is a good rule of thumb, but it's a rule of thumb, not dogma. If you're able to communicate while still aviating and navigating, then doing so might help ease at least the burden of navigation.
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
In an emergency, such as an engine failure, the answer to "can I do X" is almost always a resounding "YES".
You can do anything within your power to protect the safety of those on board. That is your job as pilot in command. If you think it is safer to ask a controller to manoeuvre big jets out your way so you can touch down on an otherwise busy Airport, then you do it. If you see a farmer's strip that you can land on, you do it. You do whatever is necessary to safely bring that aircraft down.
Aviate. Then navigate. Then communicate.
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
2
down vote
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the preferred and normal option is to talk to whoever it is you've been talking to previously. Whether that be a local tower or a regional RADAR operator.
121.5 is a frequency of last resort, and acts as an emergency fallback and catch-all.
Ultimately, you're in charge of your emergency and you make the decisions. Do you have time to mess with the radio - remember where "communicate" comes in the Holy Trinity.
That said, you should consider the advantages of talking to different people - what is making a May Day on an uncontrolled, potentially unmonitored frequency going to achieve? IF somebody is listening they MAY be able to relay a message for you but they're unlikely to be prepared to ready emergency services or search and rescue. Talking to a proper Air Traffic Service Unit is by far preferred, but it certainly doesn't need to be on 121.5.
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the preferred and normal option is to talk to whoever it is you've been talking to previously. Whether that be a local tower or a regional RADAR operator.
121.5 is a frequency of last resort, and acts as an emergency fallback and catch-all.
Ultimately, you're in charge of your emergency and you make the decisions. Do you have time to mess with the radio - remember where "communicate" comes in the Holy Trinity.
That said, you should consider the advantages of talking to different people - what is making a May Day on an uncontrolled, potentially unmonitored frequency going to achieve? IF somebody is listening they MAY be able to relay a message for you but they're unlikely to be prepared to ready emergency services or search and rescue. Talking to a proper Air Traffic Service Unit is by far preferred, but it certainly doesn't need to be on 121.5.
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the preferred and normal option is to talk to whoever it is you've been talking to previously. Whether that be a local tower or a regional RADAR operator.
121.5 is a frequency of last resort, and acts as an emergency fallback and catch-all.
Ultimately, you're in charge of your emergency and you make the decisions. Do you have time to mess with the radio - remember where "communicate" comes in the Holy Trinity.
That said, you should consider the advantages of talking to different people - what is making a May Day on an uncontrolled, potentially unmonitored frequency going to achieve? IF somebody is listening they MAY be able to relay a message for you but they're unlikely to be prepared to ready emergency services or search and rescue. Talking to a proper Air Traffic Service Unit is by far preferred, but it certainly doesn't need to be on 121.5.
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
Yes, absolutely. In fact, the preferred and normal option is to talk to whoever it is you've been talking to previously. Whether that be a local tower or a regional RADAR operator.
121.5 is a frequency of last resort, and acts as an emergency fallback and catch-all.
Ultimately, you're in charge of your emergency and you make the decisions. Do you have time to mess with the radio - remember where "communicate" comes in the Holy Trinity.
That said, you should consider the advantages of talking to different people - what is making a May Day on an uncontrolled, potentially unmonitored frequency going to achieve? IF somebody is listening they MAY be able to relay a message for you but they're unlikely to be prepared to ready emergency services or search and rescue. Talking to a proper Air Traffic Service Unit is by far preferred, but it certainly doesn't need to be on 121.5.
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
answered 4 hours ago
Dan
4,07811638
4,07811638
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I'm basically going to echo what's already been said, but with a twist.
Yes, of course you can keep talking to the people you're already talking to, on the frequency you're already on. If you're actually talking to someone already, that's probably your best bet, not least because they know you're there.
In fact, especially if you're in controlled airspace, one might argue that speaking up on the radio immediately upon engine failure isn't a horrible idea, if and only if you are able to do so safely. Even a simple "Springfield tower, Cessna '345, pan-pan-pan, engine failure, attempting restart", maybe even while you're pulling out the in-flight engine failure checklist, will give ATC a heads-up that, at the very least, you won't be able to maintain altitude. That would allow them to take your situation into account when vectoring other traffic. If all they see is a VFR GA plane starting to descend, for all they know that's perfectly intentional maneuvering on your part.
Only if you can't reach anyone (who is able to help) on the frequency you're currently on does it make sense to consider fiddling with the radio to switch to 121.5. Fiddling with the radio to change frequency should be well down your mental list of actions to take.
The same reasoning applies to the transponder; you certainly can change to 7700 if you want to and you feel that it is appropriate, but you don't have to. Squawking 7700 will cause your radar return to light up like the proverbial christmas tree at ATC, but saying mayday or possibly declaring emergency is also a pretty good way to get peoples' attention in a hurry.
Once you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate in restarting, and especially if you realize that you'll be able to make a controlled (but forced) landing on the nearby airport, I'd pretty much just treat it as an ordinary landing, with the caveat of declaring at least pan-pan-pan, possibly mayday, and telling ATC that you have no engine power. Let them deal with the other traffic and just focus on executing a safe landing and vacating the runway as quickly as you are able, but no quicker.
If you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate, and that you can't make it to the nearest airport, well, that's when a forced outfield landing likely becomes a tempting option. Telling ATC (possibly on 121.5, with the above caveat on whether you're already talking to someone) what your position and intentions are will still allow them to get help out your way in case you do botch the landing. If you do make it down safely, be sure to tell them, relaying via another aircraft if necessary.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate is a good rule of thumb, but it's a rule of thumb, not dogma. If you're able to communicate while still aviating and navigating, then doing so might help ease at least the burden of navigation.
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I'm basically going to echo what's already been said, but with a twist.
Yes, of course you can keep talking to the people you're already talking to, on the frequency you're already on. If you're actually talking to someone already, that's probably your best bet, not least because they know you're there.
In fact, especially if you're in controlled airspace, one might argue that speaking up on the radio immediately upon engine failure isn't a horrible idea, if and only if you are able to do so safely. Even a simple "Springfield tower, Cessna '345, pan-pan-pan, engine failure, attempting restart", maybe even while you're pulling out the in-flight engine failure checklist, will give ATC a heads-up that, at the very least, you won't be able to maintain altitude. That would allow them to take your situation into account when vectoring other traffic. If all they see is a VFR GA plane starting to descend, for all they know that's perfectly intentional maneuvering on your part.
Only if you can't reach anyone (who is able to help) on the frequency you're currently on does it make sense to consider fiddling with the radio to switch to 121.5. Fiddling with the radio to change frequency should be well down your mental list of actions to take.
The same reasoning applies to the transponder; you certainly can change to 7700 if you want to and you feel that it is appropriate, but you don't have to. Squawking 7700 will cause your radar return to light up like the proverbial christmas tree at ATC, but saying mayday or possibly declaring emergency is also a pretty good way to get peoples' attention in a hurry.
Once you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate in restarting, and especially if you realize that you'll be able to make a controlled (but forced) landing on the nearby airport, I'd pretty much just treat it as an ordinary landing, with the caveat of declaring at least pan-pan-pan, possibly mayday, and telling ATC that you have no engine power. Let them deal with the other traffic and just focus on executing a safe landing and vacating the runway as quickly as you are able, but no quicker.
If you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate, and that you can't make it to the nearest airport, well, that's when a forced outfield landing likely becomes a tempting option. Telling ATC (possibly on 121.5, with the above caveat on whether you're already talking to someone) what your position and intentions are will still allow them to get help out your way in case you do botch the landing. If you do make it down safely, be sure to tell them, relaying via another aircraft if necessary.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate is a good rule of thumb, but it's a rule of thumb, not dogma. If you're able to communicate while still aviating and navigating, then doing so might help ease at least the burden of navigation.
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
I'm basically going to echo what's already been said, but with a twist.
Yes, of course you can keep talking to the people you're already talking to, on the frequency you're already on. If you're actually talking to someone already, that's probably your best bet, not least because they know you're there.
In fact, especially if you're in controlled airspace, one might argue that speaking up on the radio immediately upon engine failure isn't a horrible idea, if and only if you are able to do so safely. Even a simple "Springfield tower, Cessna '345, pan-pan-pan, engine failure, attempting restart", maybe even while you're pulling out the in-flight engine failure checklist, will give ATC a heads-up that, at the very least, you won't be able to maintain altitude. That would allow them to take your situation into account when vectoring other traffic. If all they see is a VFR GA plane starting to descend, for all they know that's perfectly intentional maneuvering on your part.
Only if you can't reach anyone (who is able to help) on the frequency you're currently on does it make sense to consider fiddling with the radio to switch to 121.5. Fiddling with the radio to change frequency should be well down your mental list of actions to take.
The same reasoning applies to the transponder; you certainly can change to 7700 if you want to and you feel that it is appropriate, but you don't have to. Squawking 7700 will cause your radar return to light up like the proverbial christmas tree at ATC, but saying mayday or possibly declaring emergency is also a pretty good way to get peoples' attention in a hurry.
Once you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate in restarting, and especially if you realize that you'll be able to make a controlled (but forced) landing on the nearby airport, I'd pretty much just treat it as an ordinary landing, with the caveat of declaring at least pan-pan-pan, possibly mayday, and telling ATC that you have no engine power. Let them deal with the other traffic and just focus on executing a safe landing and vacating the runway as quickly as you are able, but no quicker.
If you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate, and that you can't make it to the nearest airport, well, that's when a forced outfield landing likely becomes a tempting option. Telling ATC (possibly on 121.5, with the above caveat on whether you're already talking to someone) what your position and intentions are will still allow them to get help out your way in case you do botch the landing. If you do make it down safely, be sure to tell them, relaying via another aircraft if necessary.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate is a good rule of thumb, but it's a rule of thumb, not dogma. If you're able to communicate while still aviating and navigating, then doing so might help ease at least the burden of navigation.
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
I'm basically going to echo what's already been said, but with a twist.
Yes, of course you can keep talking to the people you're already talking to, on the frequency you're already on. If you're actually talking to someone already, that's probably your best bet, not least because they know you're there.
In fact, especially if you're in controlled airspace, one might argue that speaking up on the radio immediately upon engine failure isn't a horrible idea, if and only if you are able to do so safely. Even a simple "Springfield tower, Cessna '345, pan-pan-pan, engine failure, attempting restart", maybe even while you're pulling out the in-flight engine failure checklist, will give ATC a heads-up that, at the very least, you won't be able to maintain altitude. That would allow them to take your situation into account when vectoring other traffic. If all they see is a VFR GA plane starting to descend, for all they know that's perfectly intentional maneuvering on your part.
Only if you can't reach anyone (who is able to help) on the frequency you're currently on does it make sense to consider fiddling with the radio to switch to 121.5. Fiddling with the radio to change frequency should be well down your mental list of actions to take.
The same reasoning applies to the transponder; you certainly can change to 7700 if you want to and you feel that it is appropriate, but you don't have to. Squawking 7700 will cause your radar return to light up like the proverbial christmas tree at ATC, but saying mayday or possibly declaring emergency is also a pretty good way to get peoples' attention in a hurry.
Once you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate in restarting, and especially if you realize that you'll be able to make a controlled (but forced) landing on the nearby airport, I'd pretty much just treat it as an ordinary landing, with the caveat of declaring at least pan-pan-pan, possibly mayday, and telling ATC that you have no engine power. Let them deal with the other traffic and just focus on executing a safe landing and vacating the runway as quickly as you are able, but no quicker.
If you realize that the engine isn't going to cooperate, and that you can't make it to the nearest airport, well, that's when a forced outfield landing likely becomes a tempting option. Telling ATC (possibly on 121.5, with the above caveat on whether you're already talking to someone) what your position and intentions are will still allow them to get help out your way in case you do botch the landing. If you do make it down safely, be sure to tell them, relaying via another aircraft if necessary.
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate is a good rule of thumb, but it's a rule of thumb, not dogma. If you're able to communicate while still aviating and navigating, then doing so might help ease at least the burden of navigation.
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
edited 1 hour ago
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
answered 2 hours ago
Michael Kjörling
2,78121643
2,78121643
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
In an emergency, such as an engine failure, the answer to "can I do X" is almost always a resounding "YES".
You can do anything within your power to protect the safety of those on board. That is your job as pilot in command. If you think it is safer to ask a controller to manoeuvre big jets out your way so you can touch down on an otherwise busy Airport, then you do it. If you see a farmer's strip that you can land on, you do it. You do whatever is necessary to safely bring that aircraft down.
Aviate. Then navigate. Then communicate.
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
In an emergency, such as an engine failure, the answer to "can I do X" is almost always a resounding "YES".
You can do anything within your power to protect the safety of those on board. That is your job as pilot in command. If you think it is safer to ask a controller to manoeuvre big jets out your way so you can touch down on an otherwise busy Airport, then you do it. If you see a farmer's strip that you can land on, you do it. You do whatever is necessary to safely bring that aircraft down.
Aviate. Then navigate. Then communicate.
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
In an emergency, such as an engine failure, the answer to "can I do X" is almost always a resounding "YES".
You can do anything within your power to protect the safety of those on board. That is your job as pilot in command. If you think it is safer to ask a controller to manoeuvre big jets out your way so you can touch down on an otherwise busy Airport, then you do it. If you see a farmer's strip that you can land on, you do it. You do whatever is necessary to safely bring that aircraft down.
Aviate. Then navigate. Then communicate.
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
In an emergency, such as an engine failure, the answer to "can I do X" is almost always a resounding "YES".
You can do anything within your power to protect the safety of those on board. That is your job as pilot in command. If you think it is safer to ask a controller to manoeuvre big jets out your way so you can touch down on an otherwise busy Airport, then you do it. If you see a farmer's strip that you can land on, you do it. You do whatever is necessary to safely bring that aircraft down.
Aviate. Then navigate. Then communicate.
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
answered 3 hours ago
Jamiec♦
13.4k25179
13.4k25179
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
skylover is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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