An electrical failure in flight can happen without warning and quickly turn a routine flight into a serious emergency. In Day 1 of the 31-Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2026, Jamie from MzeroA demonstrates how to recognize a total electrical failure, follow emergency procedures, and safely end the flight.
How to Recognize and Respond to an Electrical Failure in Flight
When circuit breakers pop and avionics go dark, pilots must quickly determine the severity of the failure. A total electrical failure in flight is a flight-terminating emergency that requires immediate action. Checking the emergency checklist and committing to landing as soon as possible helps prevent the situation from escalating. Knowing whether the issue is overvoltage, undervoltage, or a complete system failure makes a critical difference in how the emergency is handled.
Maintaining Situational Awareness Without Full Avionics
Losing electrical power often means losing radios, navigation equipment, and some flight instruments. Pilots must rely on standby instruments and basic flying skills to maintain control of the aircraft. Whether flying VFR or IFR, understanding lost communication procedures, squawking 7600 when possible, and being prepared for light gun signals from air traffic control are essential skills during an electrical failure in flight.
Backup Equipment and Emergency Communication
Carrying a handheld backup radio can be a game-changer during an electrical failure, but only if it’s ready to be used. Batteries must be charged, and pilots should be familiar with how to tune frequencies and transmit under pressure. Emergency equipment should never be “brand new in the bag.” Practicing with backups ahead of time ensures they work when they’re truly needed.
Planning and Executing a No-Flap Landing
Many training aircraft use electric flaps, which means an electrical failure can require a no-flap landing. Without flaps, approach speeds are higher and landing distances increase. Pilots must plan for extended downwinds, manage energy carefully, and understand how to safely land the aircraft without drag. Practicing no-flap landings during normal training builds confidence for when it matters most.
Safer Pilot Challenge 2026
The Safer Pilot Challenge is our yearly vow to help you become a smarter, safer pilot, and it runs all month long every January, wrapping up with our big livestream finale on January 31! We’re giving away prizes throughout the month, so be sure to watch each YouTube video and leave the specific comment to enter for a chance to win. Are you committing to 31 for 31 days of the Safer Pilot Challenge? If you love our free content, just imagine what our full courses can do for you. We’d love to welcome you into our ground schools! Start today with a free 2-week trial and see if MzeroA is the right fit for your aviation journey!