AFH 4-11

Mitigating Risks from Mismanagement of Energy Besides learning the proper use of the controls for normal energy management tasks, pilots should be equipped with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate two major risks associated with mismanagement of energy: 1) unwanted deviations from the desired energy state; and 2) unintentional, irreversible deceleration and/or sink rate causing depletion of mechanical energy. The first risk involves unintended altitude-airspeed deviations (refer to Managing Energy Errors section). The second risk entails unforeseen, continuous airspeed and/or altitude loss coupled with little or no available excess power in a given flight condition (refer to Preventing Irreversible Deceleration and/or Sink Rate section). Two Energy Management Scenarios Two flight scenarios illustrate the two major risks associated with failure to manage the airplane's energy state and how a pilot can identify, assess, and mitigate those risks. Scenario 1 Unintentionally descending below the desired glideslope on final approach to landing and failing to make the proper correction. [Figure 4-9] To bring the airplane back to the desired glideslope, should the pilot pitch up, throttle up, or both? Figure 4-9. Descending below the desired glideslope. Scenario 2 Flying toward rising terrain and not being able to fly up and over it before impacting terrain. [Figure 4-10] Note the rising terrain all along the departure corridor. What can the pilot do to prevent an impending crash? Figure 4-10. Departing from Runway 33, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (KASE), elevation 7,820 feet. For both scenarios, this section will demonstrate how proper energy management can provide the pilot with the skill to manage the associated risks and avoid tragic results.