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I'm a (private) pilot. Many years ago, I faced a sudden engine failure and performed an emergency landing in a minuscule pasture surrounded by a very forested a
by DavidChouinard 13y ago
I'm a (private) pilot. Many years ago, I faced a sudden engine failure and performed an emergency landing in a minuscule pasture surrounded by a very forested area. It very nearly costed me and my passengers' lives.
The plane was without engine for several minutes before I landed, yet that time was spent fully engrossed and completely focused on the problem. I had clarity of thought like nothing I've ever experienced.
No emotions — no fear, nothing — just stone cold rationality. Going through the checklist, Mayday call, considering options, etc. with swift and decisive precision.
Though I believe the extensive training certainly helped, to this day I'm amazed at the incredible stress response our body has evolved. Even though it happened many years ago, I still think about it a lot.
- noir_lord 13y agoThe people who panicked when under massive stress probably got eaten at a higher rate.
- SteveGerencser 13y agoMy instructor explained and trained me to simply focus on flying the parts you have left and don't let the parts that are missing bother you too much, they are gone and can't help anyway.