Until recently, conventional training and wisdom dictated that pilots should always land straight ahead when confronted by an engine failure that occurs shortly after takeoff in a Single Engine Airplane.

This controversial topic has been hotly debated since the early days of aviation, where turning around to land on the departure runway has been called “the impossible turn.” It can be argued convincingly, however, that there are instances when it would be safer to return to the airport than to land straight ahead following such an engine failure.

The FAA now states matter-of-factly in Advisory Circular 61-83J that “flight instructors should demonstrate and teach trainees when and how to make a safe 180-degree turn back to the field after an engine failure.”

Brian Schiff will discuss the principles involved in returning to the airport safely. It will be based to a large extent on his father, Barry Schiff’s, decades of study and research involving this subject.