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Pilot Short Story Ident the Detent

Cayla Hunt

It was the summer of 2018, and Cayla Hunt was a 130-hour private pilot of about seven months. She was sitting in the front seat of a Beechcraft T–34 Mentor on the way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the annual pilgrimage to EAA AirVenture. Cayla turned her attention toward the fuel selector. She moved the switch from the left to the right tank, lining up the handle with the placard.

The engine went from purring to a few gurgles and then a deafening silence.

Read Cayla's full story

AOPA Air Safety Institute staff

AOPA Air Safety Institute Staff members 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.
Topics: AOPA Air Safety Institute, Aircraft Systems, Situational Awareness

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