On an early morning flight, a Cirrus SR22 departed the airport into total darkness. The pilot failed to establish and maintain a positive climb rate, resulting in a shallow descent into terrain — claiming two lives, including the pilot’s young daughter.

This episode transforms that tragedy into practical, flight-saving education. There’s something in this for all pilots — from students to seasoned veterans.

Key Learning Objectives

• Positive Climb Rate Mastery - How to guarantee and maintain a solid climb after takeoff, especially when visual references are limited
• Night Departures - Understanding the unique challenges and dangers of nighttime takeoffs
• Instrument Scan Discipline - Building a reliable cross-check to prevent spatial disorientation
• Go/No-Go Decision Making - Recognizing when conditions should keep you on the ground
• Human Factors and Traps - Expectation bias, subtle altitude loss, and loss of situational awareness, pressures of completing a mission (real or perceived)
• This episode promises to be an engaging look into avoiding the traps of routine flight planning. No flight is routine, each differs in its’ demand for planning and safe execution.

This podcast is the audio part of the original live video broadcast available at https://www.theschiffshow.tv/18 If you wish, please visit that website to view the archived version of the live event - including audience comments and polling.

This podcast qualifies for FAA WINGS credit. After listening, go HERE to test your knowledge and earn immediate FAA WINGS credit upon successful completion of the quiz. You must be registered on the FAA Safety Team website to access this quiz and credits. If you have not yet registered, you may do so HERE.

The contents of this program can be used to complete a flight review. A WINGS based flight review helps assure both student and instructor that a complete and well documented flight review in category and class of aircraft has been accomplished.

CLICK HERE to access a copy of the Theme Based TSS #18 Flight Review and Phase of WINGS Guide.

THE SCHIFF SHOW is proudly sponsored by AVEMCO. Learn more about Avemco Insurance Company HERE or give them a call 800-276-5199. Tell them THE SCHIFF SHOW sent you and earn a 5% discount on your aircraft insurance.