Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Ever wonder what happens during a real engine failure? Does your airplane glide further with the propeller stopped or windmilling? We put the most hotly debated aviation myth to the test to see how your aircraft actually performs when the engine quits.
In this Fly8MA flight training video, we take our Bearhawk Patrol up to 5,500 feet to test three distinct engine-out scenarios at a 90 mph glide speed. First, we measure the descent rate with the engine simply at idle (the way most instructors teach it). Next, we pull the mixture to idle cut-off and turn the mags off to test a true windmilling prop. Finally, we bleed off airspeed to completely stop the propeller mid-flight and measure the drag. The results completely bust a major aviation myth and prove why practicing power-off 180s with the throttle at idle gives student pilots a false sense of security. Whether you are preparing for your commercial checkride or just want to be a safer private pilot, this real-world aerodynamic test is a must-watch.
01:14 Test 1: Descent rate with throttle at idle (Simulated failure)
02:03 Test 2: Descent rate with mixture and mags off (Windmilling prop)
02:48 Test 3: Descent rate with the propeller completely stopped
03:55 Comparing the results: Which scenario had the most drag?
05:15 Why practicing at "idle" gives pilots false expectations
06:35 The aerodynamics of a stopped prop vs windmilling
07:53 Final thoughts on engine failure procedures
Don't wait for an emergency to realize you need more training. Master engine-out procedures and become a confident, capable Pilot in Command by enrolling in one of our expert-led ground schools below:
🎓 Private Pilot Course Start your journey and master the fundamentals of flying:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/private-pilot-course
🧑✈️ CFI Courses (Certified Flight Instructor) Perfect for current and future instructors looking to teach with confidence:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/cfi-courses
🛫 IFR Courses (Instrument Flight Rules) Learn to fly safely and confidently in the clouds:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/ifr-courses
🚀 Commercial Pilot Course (CPL) Advance your career and fly at a professional level:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/cpl-courses
#EngineFailure #FlightTraining #EmergencyProcedures #StudentPilot #Fly8MA #PilotTraining #AviationSafety #LearnToFly #CommercialPilot #Aerodynamics
Ever wonder what happens during a real engine failure? Does your airplane glide further with the propeller stopped or windmilling? We put the most hotly debated aviation myth to the test to see how your aircraft actually performs when the engine quits.
In this Fly8MA flight training video, we take our Bearhawk Patrol up to 5,500 feet to test three distinct engine-out scenarios at a 90 mph glide speed. First, we measure the descent rate with the engine simply at idle (the way most instructors teach it). Next, we pull the mixture to idle cut-off and turn the mags off to test a true windmilling prop. Finally, we bleed off airspeed to completely stop the propeller mid-flight and measure the drag. The results completely bust a major aviation myth and prove why practicing power-off 180s with the throttle at idle gives student pilots a false sense of security. Whether you are preparing for your commercial checkride or just want to be a safer private pilot, this real-world aerodynamic test is a must-watch.
01:14 Test 1: Descent rate with throttle at idle (Simulated failure)
02:03 Test 2: Descent rate with mixture and mags off (Windmilling prop)
02:48 Test 3: Descent rate with the propeller completely stopped
03:55 Comparing the results: Which scenario had the most drag?
05:15 Why practicing at "idle" gives pilots false expectations
06:35 The aerodynamics of a stopped prop vs windmilling
07:53 Final thoughts on engine failure procedures
Don't wait for an emergency to realize you need more training. Master engine-out procedures and become a confident, capable Pilot in Command by enrolling in one of our expert-led ground schools below:
🎓 Private Pilot Course Start your journey and master the fundamentals of flying:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/private-pilot-course
🧑✈️ CFI Courses (Certified Flight Instructor) Perfect for current and future instructors looking to teach with confidence:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/cfi-courses
🛫 IFR Courses (Instrument Flight Rules) Learn to fly safely and confidently in the clouds:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/ifr-courses
🚀 Commercial Pilot Course (CPL) Advance your career and fly at a professional level:
privatecourse.fly8ma.com/cpl-courses
#EngineFailure #FlightTraining #EmergencyProcedures #StudentPilot #Fly8MA #PilotTraining #AviationSafety #LearnToFly #CommercialPilot #Aerodynamics
