Engine failures rarely happen at convenient times, but when they do, preparation makes all the difference. In Day 24 of the 31-Day Safer Pilot Challenge 2026, Jamie walks pilots through a full simulated engine failure, from cruise altitude all the way to touchdown.
Simulating an Engine Failure at Cruise Altitude
Jamie begins at 4,500 feet in cruise when the engine “fails”. While simulated, the setup mirrors a realistic situation many pilots rarely practice in full. With altitude on hand and an airport within glide distance, the focus shifts immediately to positioning, best glide speed, and situational awareness. Instead of rushing the descent, he plans deliberately, keeping options open while prioritizing a safe landing area.
Using a Steep Spiral to Control Energy and Position
Rather than flying a long, extended pattern, Jamie demonstrates a steep spiral directly over the airport. This technique allows precise control of altitude while staying within gliding distance of the runway. By staying overhead, Jamie avoids drifting too far away and ensures the landing remains achievable without engine power.
The steep spiral is especially valuable for commercial pilots and anyone refining power-off accuracy. It teaches energy management, wind correction, and spatial awareness; all while simulating a high-stress emergency environment.
Transitioning Into A Power-Off 180
Once reaching traffic pattern altitude, the maneuver smoothly transitions into a power-off 180 approach. Best glide is established, the pattern is adjusted for wind, and the approach remains intentionally high because being high without an engine is a good problem to have.
As the runway stays made, flaps come in only when needed. The result is a stabilized, controlled descent that ends with a full-stop landing. The touchdown may not win a smoothness contest, but it achieves the only goal that matters in an engine failure: getting safely on the ground.
Why Pilots Should Practice Engine Failures to Full Stop
Many pilots practice engine failures only until a simulated go-around. What’s missing is the confidence and skill that come from seeing the entire maneuver through a landing. Practicing a steep spiral into a power-off 180, with a certified flight instructor, builds real confidence. It sharpens judgment, reinforces fundamentals, and prepares pilots for situations they hope never happen, but must be ready to handle.
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!