"Jim Macklin" wrote in message
news:tt4ig.28366$ZW3.15775@dukeread04...
Years ago, a co-pilot for a local corporation asked me to
ride-shotgun in their old C 310 on a night flight in the
local area. After ILS at KHUT and KICT with various airwork,
we setup for the final landing at KICT on 19R.
At 200 feet I asked my friend a question, like this. "I do
most of my instruction in the Duchess and Baron and they
have green lights to show the gear position, doesn't Cessna
do that?"


The gear lights were completely out. He had not looked, had
just gone by the sound and drag change when he moved the
lever. But a quick go-around solved the immediate problem
and some careful troubleshooting and wire tightening and
bulb swaps got us three green after about 30 more minutes.

I love this approach, and have used it several times myself when correcting
another pilot in flight.
By asking the question instead of making the statement, you saved the
airplane; corrected the problem; taught a valuable lesson that wouldn't be
soon forgotten, and lo and behold.....you even managed to save the guys
pride and keep a friend!!!! A perfect night's work if I don't say so :-)))
Dudley