A single engine aircraft is descending through transition What should be the first, initial action of the pilo

Question

A single engine aircraft is descending through transition altitude. Suddenly the pilot notices engine failure. What should be the first, initial action of the pilot?

1- Set 29.92 Hg or 1013.2 millibars in the altimeter

2- Communicate MAYDAY x3 on 121.5 frequency

3- Cross check and restart the engine

4- Maintain Glide Speed

5- Find a field for forced landing and approach in the wind

6- Landing Gars and Flaps down

Answer 1

I've been an FAA Certified Flight Instructor and Commercial pilot for 10 years and I've never heard the phrase "transition altitude" with regard to fixed wing aircraft. Are you speaking of entering ground effect? The term transition is generally used for rotorcraft to mean the time between hover and forward where lift is less effected by ground effect and more by forward air movement across the rotor.

Answer 2

Yup, Marks' got it right. I second the motion.

Answer 3

no. 4

Answer 4

4

Answer 5

fly the best glide speed and pick out a field. with cheap stuff to hit

Answer 6

The usual action is: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate - in that order!

No use to start an emergency procedure if you enter a spin: Aviate first. Keep the aircraft speed between the two red lines and the horizon level.

No use to start an emergency procedure if you're heading for high sea: Navigate second, toward a safe landing place - whatever that is at the moment: A field, an airfield - anything that can save your skin.

Last: Communicate. Note that Mayday is not necessarly the right procedure. I fly a homebuilt STOL Kitfox with tundra wheels. I can land in about anything more or less flat. Technically for both maritime and aviation SAR, the distress signal for an out-landing is PAN-PAN. Admitedly it is seldom used in aviation because ... most aircraft won't land in a field without risking the life of the crew/passengers.

So, I would say that - from your list - you should do: 4 then 5 then 2. After that, you may consider, and in that order: 3 - 6 - 1.

I keep the transition level to transition altitude the last because, unless you are in IMC, the actual QNH is only important to avoid obstacles noted as AMSL on your map. The actual elevation of an eventual airport is irrelevant when you glide dead-stick - you fly by the seat of your pants and must feel distance vs. speed.