PPL Mayday! ASI Malfunction During PPL QXC Including ATC Audio from Gloucester and Cardiff

UK PPL pilot experiences an airspeed indicator (ASI) malfunction during his qualifying cross-country (QXC) flight. Intended route was Gloucester Airport (Staverton EGBJ) to Cardiff International (EGFF), Cardiff to Halfpenny Green (Wolverhampton Airport EGBO) and Halfpenny Green to Gloucester.

A 'sticky' ASI had previously been reported in the aircraft however it came alive at a low speed, allowing for safe flight, however on this occasion, the high weather temperature had apparently split the dynamic pressure supply line. The result was that airspeed came alive at a low speed (identified during takeoff) however it remained at 80 kts due to the split dynamic tube and was therefore under-reading.

Upon realising the situation, student pilot, Iain Forster, decided to cancel the flight plan and return to Gloucester.

This was a 'Mayday' situation however the student had not alerted ATC as such. ATC at Gloucester expedited the emergency, clearing the runway and allowing for a straight-in approach for landing. Gloucester ATC also scrambled the on-site fire crew as well as external emergency services who were present at time of landing.

The student safely landed the Piper PA-28 without the use of the ASI to achieve a successful outcome.

Included in this video are full ATC communications, in-flight commentary and the accompanying video, which starts at 02:13.

** PLEASE NOTE: When speaking with ATC at 17:49, the pilot stated 10 hours experience - he was referring to solo time, not total time logged. This was corrected with ATC by his instructor. **

Timestamps
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0:00 Cardiff ATC
0:50 ASI Concerns
1:16 Cardiff ASI Call
2:02 Gloucester 'Mayday' Call
3:58 Instructor on ATC
4:33 Return Flight to Gloucester
21:26 Entering the Circuit at Gloucester
23:36 Downwind to Land
24:47 Base Leg Turn
25:20 Final Approach Turn
27:22 Landing (No ASI!)
28:14 Taxi to Parking

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