If you lose power, what is the first consideration according to the rules?

The first consideration when you lose power during flight is to assess the landing area and ensure that it is clear of congested zones. This is crucial because identifying a suitable place to land safely is a top priority when dealing with an engine failure. It involves scanning the terrain and looking for open fields, roads, or other landing sites, while also considering safety factors such as population density and potential obstacles.

Choosing a landing area that avoids congested zones minimizes the risk of injury to people on the ground as well as to yourself and your passengers. The focus should be on finding a place that allows for the safest possible landing, rather than simply aiming for the closest airstrip or making radio calls.

In this scenario, checking for the nearest airport, contacting ATC, or maintaining current speed and altitude becomes secondary to ensuring you have a safe area to land. These other actions, while important, derive from having already assessed where the safest option is for a forced landing.