It was the summer of 2018, and Cayla Hunt was a 130-hour private pilot. 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 right to left 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: shorturl.at/fghTW

Illustration by Sarah Hanson

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the largest community of pilots in the world, providing aviation advocacy, education & inspiration. AOPA has represented the freedom to fly for all pilots since 1939. To learn more about becoming a member visit https://www.aopa.org/jointoday.

Check out the Air Safety Institute Website:
https://www.aopa.org/training-and-saf...

Follow AOPA on Twitter:
  / aopa  

Follow AOPA on Instagram:
  / flywithaopa  

Follow AOPA on Facebook:
  / aopapilots  

#aopa #flywithaopa #aviation #pilot #flying