09/15/2026
Some messages remind you exactly why you do what you do.
A former student, Andy, recently experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. With his permission, I’m sharing what he told me afterward:
“When the engine quit on me I don’t think I let more than 1 second pass before I pitched the nose down. Just wanted to say thanks for the great training and mentorship.”
He remembered a lesson from our emergency training before his checkride: respond immediately, establish best glide, and FLY THE PLANE FIRST!
This time, it was real. Andy relied on his training and brought the airplane down in a cornfield. He deserves the credit for his actions when it mattered most.
His message moved me deeply. Seeing these photographs filled me with gratitude.
Decades in professional aviation and 15 years as a pilot examiner have given me experience I’m passionate about sharing through Chiota Aviation. Knowing a lesson stayed with someone—and helped when they needed it most—is among the greatest privileges of my career.
Thank you, Andy. Your experience reminds us: trust your training, keep making decisions, and keep flying the airplane. Never surrender to the circumstance.
