Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task F

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with engine failure after liftoff.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Flight Planning Fundamentals:
    0:10
    Part 3, Engine Failure After Liftoff Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 4, Engine Failure After Liftoff Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
      • Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to engine failure after liftoff simulated.
    • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
    • Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
    • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.

  • Motivator:

    • An engine failure just after liftoff places a multiengine airplane close to the ground with limited time, marginal performance, and a high risk of losing directional control.
    • Training builds the immediate control, configuration, performance, and landing decisions needed to preserve control before attempting to preserve climb performance.

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • If not previously discussed, provide expectations on time to train, ground instruction vs. flight instruction, and instructor/student availability.
    • Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
    • Review the airman certification standards (ACS).
  • Part 2, Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated):
    • Explain factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC). (CA.IX.F.K1)
    • Review VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed VSSE. (CA.IX.F.K2)
    • Compare accelerate-stop and accelerate-go distances and their use in takeoff planning. (CA.IX.F.K3)
    • Teach how to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine. (CA.IX.F.K4)
    • Explain drag reduction, including propeller feathering, landing-gear and flap retraction, and the manufacturer's recommended control input and its relationship to zero sideslip. (CA.IX.F.K5)
    • Explain simulated propeller feathering and the evaluator's zero-thrust procedures and responsibilities. (CA.IX.F.K6)
  • Part 3, Engine Failure After Liftoff Risk Management:
    • Brief and mitigate the consequences of a potential engine failure after liftoff. (CA.IX.F.R1)
    • Identify collision hazards and available landing areas before takeoff. (CA.IX.F.R2)
    • Evaluate airplane configuration changes and their effect on drag, control, and climb performance. (CA.IX.F.R3)
    • Mitigate low-altitude maneuvering risks, including stall, spin, and controlled flight into terrain. (CA.IX.F.R4)
    • Manage distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation. (CA.IX.F.R5)
  • Part 4, Engine Failure After Liftoff Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Promptly recognize the simulated engine failure, maintain control, and apply the appropriate emergency procedure. (CA.IX.F.S1)
    • Establish VYSE; when obstructions are present, establish VXSE or VMC +5 knots, whichever is greater, until clear, then transition to VYSE. (CA.IX.F.S2)
    • Reduce drag by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with manufacturer guidance. (CA.IX.F.S3)
    • Simulate feathering the inoperative engine while the evaluator establishes zero thrust. (CA.IX.F.S4)
    • Use the manufacturer's recommended flight-control combination for best performance and trim as required. (CA.IX.F.S5)
    • Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make necessary adjustments. (CA.IX.F.S6)
    • Recognize the airplane's performance capability; if it cannot climb at VYSE, maintain VYSE and return for landing or approach the most suitable available landing area. (CA.IX.F.S7)
    • Simulate securing the inoperative engine. (CA.IX.F.S8)
    • Maintain heading within ±10° and airspeed within ±5 knots. (CA.IX.F.S9)
    • Complete the appropriate checklists. (CA.IX.F.S10)
  • Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
  • Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario

Interactive Guided Scenario

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with engine failure after liftoff
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM.
Knowledge 6 ACS Elements
  • CA.IX.F.K1:
    Factors affecting minimum controllable speed VMC.
  • CA.IX.F.K2:
    VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE).
  • CA.IX.F.K3:
    Accelerate/stop and accelerate/go distances.
  • CA.IX.F.K4:
    How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
  • CA.IX.F.K5:
    Importance of drag reduction, including propeller feathering, gear and flap retraction, the manufacturer's recommended control input and its relation to zero sideslip.
  • CA.IX.F.K6:
    Simulated propeller feathering and the evaluator's zero-thrust procedures and responsibilities.
Risk Management 5 ACS Elements
Skills 10 ACS Elements
  • CA.IX.F.S1:
    Promptly recognize an engine failure, maintain control, and use appropriate emergency procedures.
  • CA.IX.F.S2:
    Establish VYSE; if obstructions are present, establish best single-engine angle of climb speed (VXSE) or VMC +5 knots, whichever is greater, until obstructions are cleared. Then transition to VYSE.
  • CA.IX.F.S3:
    Reduce drag by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance.
  • CA.IX.F.S4:
    Simulate feathering the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
  • CA.IX.F.S6:
    Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
  • CA.IX.F.S7:
    Recognize the airplane's performance capabilities. If a climb is not possible at VYSE, maintain VYSE and return to the departure airport for landing, or initiate an approach to the most suitable landing area available.
  • CA.IX.F.S8:
    Simulate securing the inoperative engine.
  • CA.IX.F.S9:
    Maintain heading ±10° and airspeed ±5 knots.
  • CA.IX.F.S10:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Engine Failure after Liftoff Simulated develops the calm, disciplined response needed when time, altitude, aircraft capability, or available options are limited.
    • Early recognition, aircraft control, checklist use, clear priorities, and continuous evaluation of recovery or landing options help prevent an abnormal event from becoming unmanageable.
    • Scenario practice strengthens situational awareness and aeronautical decision-making so pilots can adapt procedures to the aircraft, environment, and urgency of the event.
    • Continued practice with Engine Failure after Liftoff Simulated prepares commercial pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.

  • Closure:

    • Inform students that this lesson will serve as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Advise the student to register for the WINGS program if they have not already done so.
    • Advise the student to complete BasicMed if they have not already done so.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.
    • The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.