SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-engine-failure-lower-nose

If the engine fails at or below best glide speed, what immediate pitch action is needed?

Lower the nose immediately.

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  1. Hold altitude until the stall warning
  2. Raise the nose to stretch the glide
  3. Lower the nose to reach best glide ✔

Why: Airspeed is the first priority after power loss. Lowering the nose maintains or accelerates to best glide, preserving control and useful glide performance.

Huh, didn't know that: Once best glide is stable, trim the airplane so the pilot can focus on landing options and the checklist.

The dad joke
The nose went down because airspeed had moved to the top of the list.
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References

Answer: Lower the nose to reach best glide. Airspeed is the first priority after power loss. Lowering the nose maintains or accelerates to best glide, preserving control and useful glide performance.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook Chapter 9 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/10_afh_ch9.pdf
    If the failure occurs at or below best glide speed, the nose should be lowered immediately to maintain or accelerate to best glide speed.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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