Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 hours ago
Proudly sponsored by Sporty's. Quality supplies and training products for pilots. aopa.org/about/aopa-partners/sportys-pilot-shop.
While flying a Piper Navajo from Fort Lauderdale to Thailand in 2015, ferry pilot Kerry McCauley faces equipment failure after he encounters a dust storm over the Arabian Peninsula.
In this real pilot story McCauley explains the chain of events that led to the mechanical issues, how he dealt with them in-flight to land safely, and his decision-making process in abandoning the mission.
Read more flying stories from Kerry McCauley in his book “Dangerous Flights: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?" kerrymccauley.com
ASI’s Real Pilot Stories allow pilots to share their encounter with a dilemma so others can benefit—while comfortable on the ground—from lessons learned the hard way in flight.
Learn More:
Review the Aeronautical Decision Making Safety Center: aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/safety-centers/aeronautical-decision-making
Take the Emergency Procedures Quiz: elearning.aopa.org/client/app.html#/quizzes/100051
Apply credit to your ASI transcript for watching this video:
bit.ly/RPSDangerOverDesert
A Message from ASI Staff:
We share a deep passion for aviation safety. As compassionate pilots, we bring together safety research, analysis, and knowledge in creative ways to share aviation safety education with you—with the ultimate goal of one day having zero fatal accidents in GA. If you find this information valuable, please consider a donation to support our work. bit.ly/AOPASafetyDonate
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest community of pilots in the world, providing aviation advocacy, education & inspiration. AOPA has represented the freedom to fly for all pilots since 1939. To learn more about becoming a member visit aopa.org/jointoday.
Check out the Air Safety Institute Website:
aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute
Follow AOPA on X:
https://x.com/flywithaopa
Follow AOPA on Instagram:
instagram.com/flywithaopa
Follow AOPA on Facebook:
facebook.com/flywithaopa
#aopa #flywithaopa #aviation #pilot #flying
Proudly sponsored by Sporty's. Quality supplies and training products for pilots. aopa.org/about/aopa-partners/sportys-pilot-shop.
While flying a Piper Navajo from Fort Lauderdale to Thailand in 2015, ferry pilot Kerry McCauley faces equipment failure after he encounters a dust storm over the Arabian Peninsula.
In this real pilot story McCauley explains the chain of events that led to the mechanical issues, how he dealt with them in-flight to land safely, and his decision-making process in abandoning the mission.
Read more flying stories from Kerry McCauley in his book “Dangerous Flights: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?" kerrymccauley.com
ASI’s Real Pilot Stories allow pilots to share their encounter with a dilemma so others can benefit—while comfortable on the ground—from lessons learned the hard way in flight.
Learn More:
Review the Aeronautical Decision Making Safety Center: aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute/safety-centers/aeronautical-decision-making
Take the Emergency Procedures Quiz: elearning.aopa.org/client/app.html#/quizzes/100051
Apply credit to your ASI transcript for watching this video:
bit.ly/RPSDangerOverDesert
A Message from ASI Staff:
We share a deep passion for aviation safety. As compassionate pilots, we bring together safety research, analysis, and knowledge in creative ways to share aviation safety education with you—with the ultimate goal of one day having zero fatal accidents in GA. If you find this information valuable, please consider a donation to support our work. bit.ly/AOPASafetyDonate
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest community of pilots in the world, providing aviation advocacy, education & inspiration. AOPA has represented the freedom to fly for all pilots since 1939. To learn more about becoming a member visit aopa.org/jointoday.
Check out the Air Safety Institute Website:
aopa.org/training-and-safety/air-safety-institute
Follow AOPA on X:
https://x.com/flywithaopa
Follow AOPA on Instagram:
instagram.com/flywithaopa
Follow AOPA on Facebook:
facebook.com/flywithaopa
#aopa #flywithaopa #aviation #pilot #flying
