I do not like the idea of saying treat partial engine failures as EFATO's. If you are cruising along at 2400 RPM and the engine loses say 200 RPM but stays steady at 2200 RPM, you have by definition suffered a partial engine failure, but it does not seem reasonable to just go ahead and immediately land on what ever field is in front of you.
In the event of an uncommanded reduction in power the first thing you should do is apply full carb heat, because if it is carb icing you may not have much time to clear it before the engine stops. Yes you should always be looking for a landable area and point the airplane at it, but you should be also be sensible and do some troubleshooting as the partial failure may be self induced. This is why it is important that the students can do a good cause check and understand what they are doing/looking for when they are checking things.
Last edited by Big Pistons Forever; 23rd September 2012 at 15:52.