Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task E

The Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Roll Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with engine failure during takeoff before minimum controllable airspeed Vmc.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC:
    1:15
    Part 3, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC Risk Management:
    1:15
    Part 4, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC 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:
      • Select a multiengine takeoff accident or incident in which delayed rejection, loss of directional control, or improper configuration after an engine failure reduced the available stopping margin.
    • 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:

    • A prompt, disciplined rejection before VMC preserves directional control and prevents a low-speed engine failure from becoming a loss-of-control accident.

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Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC:
    • Explain aircraft-specific VMC factors and distinguish the red-line VMC control reference from blue-line VYSE performance; neither guarantees climb in the actual conditions. (PA.IX.E.K1) (PA.IX.E.K2)
    • Explain accelerate-stop distance and assess takeoff engine-failure risk using available distance, actual surface, environment, and aircraft performance; brief a safe rejected-takeoff response. (PA.IX.E.K3) (PA.IX.E.R1)
    • Assess configuration hazards during rejection and use the manufacturer-directed stopping configuration without sacrificing directional control. (PA.IX.E.R2)
    • Assess distraction, fixation, disorientation, and lost-awareness hazards during the engine failure; prioritize aircraft control, flight path, and traffic awareness before troubleshooting. (PA.IX.E.R3)
    • Brief the ACS low-speed simulation safeguard before the exercise: introduce the simulated takeoff failure before half of calculated VMC. Observe prompt, smooth throttle closure and directional control using brakes on land or appropriate flight controls on water; do not apply wheel-braking assumptions afloat. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.IX.E.S1) (PA.IX.E.S2)
  • Part 3, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc Risk Management:
    • Evaluate the risk of an engine failure during takeoff using accelerate-stop performance, runway or water-lane conditions, obstacles, wind, and available stopping distance; define the rejection decision before beginning the takeoff. (PA.IX.E.R1)
    • Use the manufacturer-directed rejection configuration and avoid premature or unnecessary configuration changes that reduce directional control or braking effectiveness. (PA.IX.E.R2)
    • Manage distraction, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, and disorientation by immediately controlling direction and reducing thrust before troubleshooting. (PA.IX.E.R3)
  • Part 4, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead the engine-failure-before-VMC discussion, requiring the learner to establish rejection criteria, recognize the simulated failure, close both throttles smoothly and promptly, and maintain directional control using the appropriate AMEL or AMES technique. (PA.IX.E.S1) (PA.IX.E.S2)
  • 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.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Using the actual airplane's takeoff data and available departure distance, brief a low-speed engine failure and rejection before beginning the exercise.
  • Have the student explain prompt throttle closure, directional control, and the appropriate land braking or waterborne flight-control response.
  • Vary surface conditions and distractions; reassess stopping margin and task priority. Apply the ACS (Airman Certification Standards) simulation safeguards and manufacturer limitations.
  • Debrief recognition, control, and deviations. Discussion supports learning; observed performance must be verified separately.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with engine failure during takeoff before minimum controllable airspeed (VMC)
  • 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 3 ACS Elements
  • PA.IX.E.K1:
    Factors affecting minimum control airspeed with an inoperative engine (VMC).
  • PA.IX.E.K2:
    VMC (red line) and best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (VYSE) (blue line).
  • PA.IX.E.K3:
    Accelerate/stop distance.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
Skills 2 ACS Elements
  • PA.IX.E.S1:
    Close the throttles smoothly and promptly when a simulated engine failure occurs.
  • PA.IX.E.S2:
    Maintain directional control and apply brakes (AMEL), or flight controls (AMES), as necessary.
Private Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Engine Failure during Takeoff before VMC 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 during Takeoff before VMC Simulated prepares private pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.

  • Closure:

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