Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area XII, Task F

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    0:25
    Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a teaching scenario in which learner safety or understanding depends on effective instruction in engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL (Airplane Multiengine Land), AMES (Airplane Multiengine Sea)).
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands engine failure after liftoff, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Materials

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's prior lesson preparation.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Present the attention getter and motivator.
    • Review Area of Operation XII, Task F, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands engine failure after liftoff, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Teach and assess the aerodynamic and operational factors affecting minimum control speed (VMC), including power, density altitude, weight, center of gravity, configuration, bank, and critical-engine condition. (AI.XII.F.K1)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the meaning, relationship, and operational use of VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed, VSSE. (AI.XII.F.K2)
    • Have the learner use a concrete example to explain how accelerate-stop and accelerate-go distances are determined and used to establish takeoff planning, reject criteria, obstacle-clearance expectations, and realistic single-engine options. (AI.XII.F.K3)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the aircraft-specific sequence for identifying, verifying, feathering, and securing an inoperative engine without sacrificing aircraft control. (AI.XII.F.K4)
    • Explain and assess drag reduction through propeller feathering, landing-gear and flap retraction, and manufacturer-recommended control inputs for zero sideslip or best single-engine performance. (AI.XII.F.K5)
    • Brief the safeguards, division of responsibility, and evaluator actions used during simulated propeller feathering and establishment of zero thrust. (AI.XII.F.K6)
    • Teach the learner to recognize, prevent, and correct common errors involving recognition, control, airspeed, configuration, engine verification, feathering, and performance assessment. (AI.XII.F.K7)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Require a takeoff briefing that anticipates an engine failure after liftoff and establishes aircraft-control priorities, configuration actions, performance-based continue-or-land decisions, and suitable landing options. (AI.XII.F.R1)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply clearing, traffic awareness, and flightpath selection that reduce collision risk while the pilot manages the engine failure. (AI.XII.F.R2)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply configuration changes in the aircraft-specific sequence, with verification of positive rate, obstacle clearance, airspeed, and the effect of each change on drag and control. (AI.XII.F.R3)
    • Establish intervention criteria that prevent low-altitude maneuvering from progressing toward loss of control, stall or spin, or controlled flight into terrain. (AI.XII.F.R4)
    • Require the learner to manage startle and distractions, prioritize control and performance, maintain situational awareness and orientation, and defer nonessential tasks. (AI.XII.F.R5)
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess prompt recognition of the simulated engine failure, positive aircraft control, and use of the appropriate emergency procedure. (AI.XII.F.S1)
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess establishing VYSE; when obstacles are present, establish VXSE or VMC +5 knots, whichever is greater, until clear, then transition to VYSE. (AI.XII.F.S2)
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess drag reduction by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with manufacturer guidance. (AI.XII.F.S3)
    • Demonstrate and teach safe simulation of feathering the inoperative-engine propeller, followed by the evaluator's establishment of zero thrust. (AI.XII.F.S4)
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess coordinated use of the flight controls and trim in accordance with manufacturer guidance or as required for best performance. (AI.XII.F.S5)
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess monitoring the operating engine and aircraft systems and making necessary adjustments. (AI.XII.F.S6)
    • Require an evidence-based performance decision: if the airplane cannot climb at VYSE, maintain VYSE and return for landing or approach the most suitable available landing area. (AI.XII.F.S7)
    • Demonstrate and teach simulation of securing the inoperative engine using the appropriate aircraft procedure. (AI.XII.F.S8)
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess maintaining heading within ±10° and airspeed within ±5 knots. (AI.XII.F.S9)
    • Demonstrate, teach, and assess timely completion of the appropriate checklist or checklists without compromising aircraft control. (AI.XII.F.S10)
    • Have the instructor applicant analyze and correct common errors while maintaining positive control and respecting the limits of simulated failures. (AI.XII.F.S11)
    • Coach simultaneous explanation, demonstration, observation, error correction, and, when airborne, positive aircraft control.
  • Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate instructional organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, instructional strengths, risk-management decisions, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the instructor applicant's training record, as required.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a simulated engine-failure-after-liftoff lesson appropriate to an AMEL or AMES while maintaining an organized lesson flow and meaningful learner participation.
  • Assign realistic runway or water-run, obstacle, weather, loading, and performance conditions and require the instructor applicant to teach a preplanned response to an engine failure after liftoff. (AI.XII.F.R1)
  • Require the instructor applicant to coach prompt recognition, positive aircraft control, and the appropriate emergency procedure while respecting all safeguards for simulated engine failures. (AI.XII.F.S1)
  • Introduce a realistic learner error, misconception, change in operating conditions, or external pressure and require the instructor applicant to adapt the lesson.
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
  • Teach the applicable knowledge elements accurately and in learner-appropriate language rather than relying on rote recitation.
  • Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
  • Use effective questions, check learner understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: For ASEL or ASES, the evaluator must select at least Tasks B and C. For AMEL or AMES, the evaluator must select Tasks E or F; Task G; and at least one other Task.
  • Task F: Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES).
  • Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands engine failure after liftoff, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM
Knowledge 7 ACS Elements
  • AI.XII.F.K1:
    Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
  • AI.XII.F.K2:
    VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE).
  • AI.XII.F.K3:
    Accelerate/stop and accelerate/go distances.
  • AI.XII.F.K4:
    How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
  • AI.XII.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.
  • AI.XII.F.K6:
    Simulated propeller feathering and the evaluator’s zero-thrust procedures and responsibilities.
  • AI.XII.F.K7:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 5 ACS Elements
  • AI.XII.F.R1:
    Potential engine failure after lift-off.
  • AI.XII.F.R2:
    Collision hazards.
  • AI.XII.F.R3:
    Configuring the airplane.
  • AI.XII.F.R4:
    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • AI.XII.F.R5:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 11 ACS Elements
  • AI.XII.F.S1:
    Promptly recognize an engine failure, maintain control, and use appropriate emergency procedures.
  • AI.XII.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.
  • AI.XII.F.S3:
    Reduce drag by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance.
  • AI.XII.F.S4:
    Simulate feathering the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
  • AI.XII.F.S5:
    Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
  • AI.XII.F.S6:
    Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
  • AI.XII.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.
  • AI.XII.F.S8:
    Simulate securing the inoperative engine.
  • AI.XII.F.S9:
    Maintain heading ±10° and airspeed ±5 knots.
  • AI.XII.F.S10:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • AI.XII.F.S11:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) helps learners build sound judgment, technical competence, and safe operating habits.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.