what happens if the electric and vacuum fail?
truckinj asked:
and the batteries in ur backup gps breaks in imc? how do u get anywhere and how to get down?
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and the batteries in ur backup gps breaks in imc? how do u get anywhere and how to get down?
October 24th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
if they fail at the same time, maybe you blew a fuse? Check your fuse box and see… yvona
October 26th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Above all, you must maintain control of the aircraft.
But is that all that has happened? If you are in controlled airspace, and radio and transponder are still operational, the tower can get you down. If you can’t establish radio contact, but can still maintain flight, be looking for a safe place to land if no available airport is nearby.
It could be something as simple as a tripped breaker. Maintain control of the aircraft, check the POH. Robert
October 29th, 2009 at 9:28 am
If the electric and your vacuum fail it means that your floor will not be clean!..lol just kidding. In reality, this is unlikely to happen. if it does there are limited solutions left for you once your plane is completely dead.
Scenario: You are cruising along in IMC when you notice your ammeter is moving in a direction it usually never does. Make your plans, start load shedding unnecessary items, such as strobes, a com, or nav, beacons, etc. If you can get out of IMC..do it! If not get on a diversion and shoot an approach and get down somewhere before it becomes a hassle. There is your electric scenario. If it fails completely..keep flying your last assigned if possible. look for VFR
Vacuum system: if this fails it is normally pretty gradual (happened to me a few times in old pipers) You can still keep a handle on your plane if you first keep your cool, use your resources. Compass, turn and bank/slip (the ball will help) all of these can keep you from doing anything to yourself…unless it is a rare case of a rough ride and you just get disoriented….
A backup gps is no good to you,even if it was working if you lose your vacuum system.
One of the best things a pilot can have in his recip bird, engine driven vacuum system, with an electric back up attitude indicator. Captain J
October 30th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
It’s called needle, ball and airspeed, you’ll learn about this taking lessons. Rick
October 30th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
If all your instruments fail (which is pretty much the case if you have neither vacuum nor electricity), and you are in IMC, you’ll probably be killed. You need instruments to fly safely in IMC, which is why it’s called IMC. Even the best IFR pilots cannot survive more than a few minutes in IMC with no instruments, and they certainly cannot land safely.
It’s possible to safely land under IFR after isolated failures of certain instruments (a partial panel), but not when everything fails at once.
Make sure your aircraft is well maintained and in good condition before you depart, and carry out your preflight checks carefully. Techwing
October 31st, 2009 at 9:00 am
Fly east or west using the magnetic compass, and descend during daylight before low on fuel. Mark
November 1st, 2009 at 12:57 am
I’m assuming you mean your electric and vacuum-powered gyros fail, and not the entire electrical system.
The first thing you should do is FLY THE AIRPLANE! Stay out of unusual attitudes and assess your situation. Then, do your best to navigate, and finally, communicate your problems to ATC.
The following instruments should still be working:
Airspeed
Altimeter
VSI
Mag Compass
Fortunately, these instruments will provide you will everything you’ll need.
You’re in IMC, so you’re on an IFR flight plan and likely talking to ATC . . . if you’re in a non-radar environment, tough luck. Radio in your equipment failures as required by the FARs. Eliminate all dead instruments from your scan. ATC will give you vectors that you must turn to on the mag compass; be sure to undershoot turns to northerly headings and overshoot turns to southerly headings (in the northern hemisphere; reverse this pneumonic south of the equator). When you are close enough to an airport, you could receive a no-gyro approach, or maybe even fly a PAR (ATC tells you when to turn and descend down to the runway).
Ultimately, for a proficient, current, prepared, and level-headed pilot, these failures should not amount to an accident. skywayman@ymail.com