ebrabaek's video: Cessna 172 Engine out practice

We had a student who did not satisfy the engine out task on his commercial check ride, and so I went flying with him to endorse him for the check ride. In two days we drilled that task for a total of 19 practices in 3.1 hrs. The engine out procedure (Single Engine) is a full emergency that essentially turns your motor equipped Cessna 172 into a 4 seater Glider, and it begins at what ever altitude your at when the failure is initiated by the evaluator, and it stops after you are ensured that a successful landing is assured. Many schools, ours included has a minimum altitude of 500 feet, but as with so many other routines they become just that. Once in a while when great care is takes I would encourage all CFI's to go lower and see how the last 500 feet plans out. Why you say, well, when things becomes routine they promote a certain pattern. IE, the response becomes habitual, which is great from a motor skill level, but can also spook the students. I had a student back in 1993 who I taught everything and one day his engine failed in a Cessna 152. Next thing I watch Mr. Nevarez on TV weeping thanking his Instructor for teaching him well enough to safely put the little Cessna down on one of the gateways in El Paso TX. So many times we plan, execute and exit this very delicate maneuver to only bamboozle it in the last 500 feet. I encourage you to once or twice when it is safe to do so take it below and have your student have that experience with you onboard as their mentor, keeping it safe. Our curve ball was a flock of antelopes that we did not see from up high, but this was the only road, if you can call it that in the desert, available. I am so proud of this awesome student who after drilling 19 of these in two days graduated this delicate maneuver with ....ehhhh.... uhmmmm.... flying skills. :) Enjoy