What should pilots do to prepare for an emergency landing?

Planning the approach and configuring the aircraft appropriately is crucial for a successful emergency landing. This preparation involves assessing the immediate environment for a suitable landing site, whether it be terrain or a runway. It includes establishing glide paths, evaluating wind conditions, and ensuring the aircraft is set up correctly—this means managing flaps, landing gear, and airspeed to optimize control and performance during the landing.

In emergencies, maintaining awareness of surroundings is vital as it informs the pilot of possible landing options and hazards. Communicating with ground control is beneficial but not the sole focus; therefore, solely attempting communication without addressing flight configuration can be detrimental. Disabling instruments would actually lead to a lack of situational awareness, which can exacerbate the situation rather than help during a critical event. Overall, thorough preparation enhances the likelihood of safely managing and executing an emergency landing.