Following a partial loss of power, what is the first procedure to follow?

Treating a partial loss of power as a complete loss is crucial for ensuring safety in flight. In such situations, identifying the correct response promptly is essential to manage the aircraft's response effectively and prevent further complications. When experiencing a partial power loss, the aircraft may not have sufficient thrust to maintain altitude or control, and assuming a complete loss allows the pilot to take immediate action to secure the aircraft's safety.

This approach emphasizes the fundamental principle of ensuring that the aircraft can sustain controlled flight. It allows the pilot to prepare for a potential emergency landing, assess the environment, and navigate the best option for recovery, rather than delaying action while attempting to troubleshoot the engine issue.

The other options may lead to mismanagement of the situation, as they might not address the urgent need for a prompt and decisive reaction to a potentially serious condition. For instance, attempting to restart the engine may waste precious time and altitude. Similarly, notifying air traffic control without first stabilizing the aircraft could lead to unfavorable outcomes. Reducing airspeed to the minimum could result in a stall or an inability to maintain controlled flight, especially if thrust is insufficient. Thus, prioritizing the treatment of the issue as a total power failure allows the pilot to focus on the most critical aspect: