AviationApproach and landing with an inoperative engine (simulated)
In a twin with one engine simulated dead, you keep control, set it up as feathered, fly a stabilized approach at the recommended speed and touch down in the first third of the runway. It is Task G of Area IX, Emergency Operations, in the FAA Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards, for the airplane classes listed below.
Free to startScenarios
- Airplane multiengine land (AMEL).
- Airplane multiengine sea (AMES).
The steps
- Recognize the engine failure promptly and keep positive control.
- Set the engine controls, reduce drag, identify and verify the inoperative engine and simulate feathering its propeller (the examiner then sets zero thrust on it).
- Use the flight controls in the combination the manufacturer recommends, or as needed for best performance, and trim as needed.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended emergency procedures and complete the appropriate checklist.
- Monitor the operating engine and the airplane's systems and adjust as needed.
- Hold the manufacturer's recommended approach speed +10/-5 knots, in the landing configuration with a stabilized approach, until the landing is assured.
- Use smooth, timely and correct control inputs before, during and after touchdown.
- Touch down in the first third of the available runway or landing surface, with no drift and the airplane aligned with and over the centerline or landing path.
- Keep directional control and the right crosswind correction through the approach and landing.
- Complete the appropriate checklists.
Safety rules that stop the station
- Below 3,000 feet above the ground, the engine failure is simulated with the throttle at idle and then zero thrust.
- Any action, or lack of action, that makes the examiner step in to keep the flight safe is unsatisfactory.
- Consistently exceeding the tolerances of the task, or not correcting promptly when you exceed them, is unsatisfactory.
To pass
- The dead engine identified and feathered in simulation, approach speed +10/-5 knots on a stabilized approach and a touchdown in the first third of the runway.
- Know what changes VMC, VMC (red line) and VYSE (blue line), how to identify, verify, feather and secure an inoperative engine, why drag reduction matters, your duties during simulated feathering, and the risks of an engine failure in flight or on approach, collision, configuring the airplane, low-altitude stalls and spins, distractions and a possible single-engine go-around.
- Missing the standard on this task fails the task and its area of operation.
Official source
Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-6C)
The FAA publishes the Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards free: every task of the checkride with its knowledge, risks and tolerances.
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