Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.
Three important words as an aviator; aviate, navigate, and communicate. In that order.
Aviate
Flying is a very demanding activity, and it can be easy to get wrapped up in a task that causes distraction from your main focus - flying the airplane. Your number one priority should always be to fly the aircraft. Whether you’re thinking through the next steps on your route, the next checklist item that you need to tend to, or you face an unexpected situation such as a diversion or an emergency, you always want to ensure that you keep the aircraft in controlled flight.
Even with a complete engine failure, you can still fly the aircraft. You’ll want to ensure you’re flying at the “Best Glide” speed for your aircraft. In a Cessna 172, typically the best glide speed is 65 knots. If you lose power completely, keep your nose pitched down to achieve the best glide airspeed and you’ll be able to fly the aircraft all the way to the ground - whether that be a nearby airfield, or a non-conventional landing location.
More on this topic available from the FAA here:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/Best%20Glide%20Speed%20and%20Distance.pdf
Navigate
Once you’re certain that you have the aircraft under control, your next focus should be to navigate to your intended destination or a safe alternate location if needed. There are several aids for navigation, especially in modern day. As pilots, we have GPS, VORs, DMEs, ADS-B, RADAR, Compasses, conventional maps, or dead-reckoning all available as navigation aids.
If you’re ever unsure of where you are, ensure you’re using all resources available to obtain your location, including Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Another important consideration in your navigation process is to estimate the remaining fuel aboard and fuel needed to get your primary or alternate destination.
Communicate
After the pilot has established control over flying the aircraft and navigation is assured, communication with air traffic control, emergency services, or other relevant parties is the next priority. As is the case in many professions, clear and concise communication helps those around you understand your intentions and how to plan for any assistance you may need to ensure the safety of flight.
Although communication can be intimidating at first, there is a logical structure to communicating in aviation; who you’re calling, who you are, and stating your request. For example, if we’re requesting a departure from a runway at Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (KEAU), our request would sound like this:
“Eau Claire tower, November One Seven Two Four Kilo. Holding Short, Runway 22, ready for departure”
To which tower would usually respond in a couple different ways:
“November One Seven Two Four Kilo, Eau Claire Tower. Continue holding short for landing traffic”
Or
“November One Seven Two Four Kilo, Eau Claire Tower. Cleared for takeoff runway 22. Right turn out approved to the North and report clear of the Delta.”
Conclusion
In addition to prioritizing these three activities in flight, it’s important to continue to revisit each category as needed, sometimes within seconds. If you get this sequence down, you’ll be able to make quick decisions and you’ll be a safer pilot.
In the video below, you’ll see this sequence in action as we fly an instrument approach: