Outline:

1 | The Importance of Safety and Preparedness

Safe flying depends on anticipating emergencies before they happen. Fernando emphasized that pilots must blend knowledge, risk management, and calm decision-making to handle unexpected events.

• Emergencies don’t always follow a checklist—understanding principles is key.

• Practicing scenarios in mountainous or high-altitude environments prepares pilots for real-world challenges.

• Safety begins with risk assessment: pilots should always plan “what if” contingencies before every flight.

2 | Safety Talk and Real-World Experience

Fernando recently presented a safety seminar at Oshkosh, drawing from personal experience and field training.

• His Utah flying camp focused on energy management, canyon approaches, and off-airport landing procedures.

• Pilots practiced emergency descents, partial power landings, and maintaining control under pressure.

• These events reinforce one key message: proficiency in emergencies comes only from deliberate practice, not just reading about them.

3 | The Utah Flying Camp and Terrain Awareness

Training in Utah’s canyon and mountain terrain helped pilots develop spatial awareness and decision-making at higher elevations.

• Pilots experienced the performance limits of aircraft under density altitude conditions.

• Fernando’s team taught how to identify viable landing spots from altitude using terrain shadows and vegetation cues.

• They also covered emergency communication strategies—how to transmit mayday calls and coordinate rescue efforts when terrain limits reception.

4 | The In-Flight Oil Pressure Fluctuation Incident

Fernando described a return flight with his colleague Joe Creasy, where they observed engine oil pressure fluctuations.

• They immediately conducted in-flight troubleshooting, confirming temperatures and power output.

• Choosing altitude as their safety margin, they climbed higher to improve glide range and buy time for decision-making.

• Communication with Denver Center was challenging, but persistence and clear communication ensured support from ATC.

• They landed safely—an example of calm CRM (Crew Resource Management) in a real-world emergency.

5 | Cessna 182 Emergency Mesa Landing

Later, Fernando shared a detailed recount of a Cessna 182 emergency landing on a mesa in rugged terrain.

• The aircraft experienced a partial power loss at 10,500 feet. Joe, the pilot, maintained 77 knots (best glide) while troubleshooting.

• After assessing terrain options, they identified a flat mesa approximately 900 feet long as the only viable site.

• The landing was successful with minor damage—a flat tire, compressed strut, and scuffed fairing.

• Air Traffic Control (ATC) coordinated emergency services and guided rescue teams directly to their position.

• The event underscored how calm problem-solving, training discipline, and teamwork can turn a crisis into a controlled outcome.

6 | Survival and Communication After the Landing

Once safely on the ground, Fernando shifted focus to post-landing survival and communication.

• He wore a survival vest containing first aid, signaling mirror, fire-starting tools, and hydration packs.

• Communication tools included a handheld radio and a Garmin InReach Messenger, which provided GPS tracking and two-way text with rescuers.

• Using these tools, they coordinated efficiently with both ATC and ground responders.

• Fernando emphasized that survival doesn’t end at landing—it continues until rescue is complete.

7 | Coordination with ATC and the Rescue Operation

Fernando highlighted the critical role of Air Traffic Control and other pilots during emergencies.

• Once the mayday call was sent, ATC tracked the aircraft’s descent and dispatched search and rescue resources.

• Nearby pilots monitoring the frequency also helped relay coordinates and updates.

• Cooperation between pilots, ATC, and emergency responders demonstrates the aviation community’s strong safety culture.

8 | NTSB and FAA Follow-Up

After the landing, an NTSB and FAA investigation reviewed the incident.

• The focus was on mechanical issues and maintenance logs related to the power loss.

• Fernando shared that documentation and transparency made the process smooth and educational.

• He encouraged pilots to report incidents honestly, as the goal is safety improvement, not punishment.

9 | Key Takeaways for Every Pilot

• Emergencies test a pilot’s mindset, not just their skillset.

• Always carry survival gear—you can’t predict where you’ll land.

• Use modern tools like Garmin InReach and handheld radios for redundancy.

• Practice decision-making drills: partial power, off-airport landings, and emergency descents.

• Communicate early and clearly with ATC—help is available the moment you ask.

10 | Closing and Product Announcement

The session concluded with Fernando introducing CFI Bootcamp’s Private Pilot Smart Study Pro, a structured prep tool for checkride success.

• It aligns with ACS tasks and includes scenario-based learning for emergencies.

• The presentation ended with Q&A and discussion about how to integrate survival training into everyday instruction.