Title:
ASCEND 2026 - The Emergencies You Were Not Trained For
Topic:
Teach Beyond the Test: Preparing Pilots for Uncommon Emergencies
Speaker(s):
Collin McDonald
Brief Description:
This presentation covers emergencies not tested on the ACS that the speaker has experienced firsthand or discovered through conversations with others. We will review methods to safely teach these to students and Flight Review candidates. Examples include partial power loss on takeoff, various engine issues, off-airport landings, and more. The more important discussion will be how to teach risk mitigation and a proactive safety mindset to all flight training and pilots, regardless of experience or certificate level.
Select Number:
EA13146356
Location of Seminar:
Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center
7050 N Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75247
Directions to Venue:
Follow the signs to the ASCEND Flight Training Summit meeting rooms
View Map
Seating:
Check Additional event Information below for possible registration requirements.
Sponsoring Division:
FAASTeam
Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
Collin McDonald is a pilot, flight instructor, FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant mechanic, and creator of The Flying Mechanic, an educational platform dedicated to making aviation maintenance and flight operations more accessible to pilots and mechanics. He has been an active flight instructor since 2015, helping establish flight training programs in Tennessee that continue to prepare new pilots today. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), McDonald earned a degree in Aviation Maintenance Management before serving as a missionary pilot in Papua New Guinea, supporting remote communities through aviation. Since joining the MTSU Aerospace Department as a faculty member in 2022, McDonald has taught Professional Pilot courses, drawing on his experience as both a pilot and a mechanic. Through teaching, research, and The Flying Mechanic, he is passionate about educating and inspiring the next generation of safe, proficient aviators.
This presentation is offered during the 2026 ASCEND Flight Training Summit.
No fee for the presentations, but there is an admission charge for ASCEND. Visit Ascend Flight Training Summit - Pilot Education & Careers for information and conference registration information.
FAA WINGS preregistration is not required for activities offered during ASCEND.
ASCEND Flight Training Summit is co-hosted by the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and AeroSummit.
Equal Access Information:
The FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) is committed to providing equal access to this meeting/event for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, please communicate your request as soon as possible with the person in the “Contact Information” area of the meeting/event notice. Note that two weeks is usually required to arrange services.
Credit Applicability:
1 Credit for Master Knowledge Topic 1
FAASTeam Project Information:
National Project:
Any other Operations task not covered in the NPP
Additional Event Documents:
