Prepare for Engine Failure and Ditching

Your engine doesn't know when you're at 3,000 ft and into wind – an engine failure can happen at any time. Be proficient in the forced landing without power (FLWOP) procedure and practise it outside of your BFR – at different altitudes, in different locations and in different weather conditions.

Engine failures can also happen over water, so be familiar with your aircraft's ditching procedure. Here is the C152 ditching procedure from the flight manual:

DITCHING (C152)

1. Radio – TRANSMIT MAYDAY on 121.5 MHz, giving location and intentions.
2. Heavy objects (in baggage area) – SECURE OR JETTISON.
3. Approach – High winds, heavy seas: INTO THE WIND. Light winds, heavy swells: PARALLEL TO SWELLS.
4. Wing flaps – 30°.
5. Power – ESTABLISH 300 FT/MIN DESCENT AT 55 KIAS.
6. Cabin doors – UNLATCH.
7. Touchdown – LEVEL ATTITUDE AT 300 FT/MIN DESCENT.
8. Face – CUSHION at touchdown with folded coat.
9. Airplane – EVACUATE through cabin doors. If necessary, open windows and flood cabin to equalise pressure so doors can be opened.

Always refer to the flight manual for the aircraft you're flying.