Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 785; Flight Crew Type 215
Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft; Human Factors
I experienced a loss of full engine power during initial climbout from RWY 32 at ZZZ. I had the student notify Tower we wanted to return for landing. We were still able to climb and engine was running smoothly so I wanted to keep as low key as possible. When asked by tower we did not request assistance and did not require priority handling. We climbed to approximately 1;000 feet AGL as we entered left downwind. Just past abeam approach end of RWY 32 while on downwind engine experienced further reduction in power without moving throttle. I told Tower we were turning base at that time; added 10 degrees flaps and aimed for the approach end of RWY 32. As we rolled onto final there was a business jet in position for takeoff on the runway. I heard the Tower clear him for an immediate takeoff; then tell him to abort and hold position. The Controller then advised me they could not issue a landing clearance. I responded that I had to land and Controller told me about the jet in position. I replied that I observed the traffic and would maneuver to pass to the right so I would not overfly the jet; and come in around and land in front of him. I flew a few hundred feet to the right at approximately 300 feet AGL; did not fly over the jet and passed well clear of him holding in position. I then slipped the aircraft into the left crosswind; lined up and landed on Runway 32 about 1;500 feet down the runway. The engine was generating enough power to taxi and I utilized Taxiway XX and called ground control when instructed for taxi back to ramp. When I reviewed the event; I believe I incorrectly assumed that the tower controller was providing me priority handling; when in fact the Controller was not fully aware of my situation. I should have just requested priority handling either prior to or as I turned downwind so Controller knew not to have the jet line up and wait on the runway before me.
C172 flight instructor reported an engine malfunction after takeoff resulting in a return to field.