Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area X, Task C

The Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative (Simulated) Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight solely by reference to instruments with one engine inoperative.

Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, One Engine Inoperative:
    0:15
    Part 3, One Engine Inoperative Risk Management:
    0:20
    Part 4, One Engine Inoperative Guided Scenario(s):
    0:20
    Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research a case study:
      • Ask the learner to describe prior knowledge or experience related to one engine inoperative.
    • 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

    • Explain how proficiency in one engine inoperative supports safe and effective flight operations.

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Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Materials

Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
  • Part 2, One Engine Inoperative (Simulated):
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain and observe engine-failure recognition, instrument cross-check, positive control, and appropriate response during straight-and-level flight and turns solely by reference to instruments. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.K1, PA.X.C.S1)
    • Observe aircraft-specific engine-control settings, drag reduction, identification and verification of the failed engine, and simulated feathering; coordinate evaluator zero thrust without inadvertently shutting down the operating engine. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.S2)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain and observe manufacturer-directed flight-control combinations and trim for best engine-out performance, including zero-sideslip guidance. Establish the best engine-inoperative airspeed. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.S3, PA.X.C.S4)
    • Observe manufacturer-directed emergency and securing procedures and appropriate checklist completion. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.S5)
    • Observe permitted diagnosis and correction of the failure cause while maintaining instrument control and a viable landing plan. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.S6)
    • Observe monitoring of the operating engine and aircraft systems with necessary adjustments within limitations. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.S7)
    • Observe specified altitude or minimum sink when applicable, heading, and airspeed within ACS tolerances using instruments. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.S8)
    • Observe control and compliance with engine-out operating limitations, with appropriate single-pilot or crew resource management. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.S10, PA.X.C.S11)
  • Part 3, One Engine Inoperative Risk Management:
    • Assess wrong-engine identification and verification hazards using aircraft indications and prescribed checks before simulating feathering. (PA.X.C.R1)
    • Assess actual engine-out capability, including inability to climb or maintain altitude, and select an appropriate safe-landing action rather than sacrifice control. Identify and correct observed deviations to applicable ACS standards. (PA.X.C.R2, PA.X.C.S9)
    • Assess low-altitude stall, spin, and CFIT hazards; preserve control and stall margin and choose a viable landing path when climb is unavailable. (PA.X.C.R3)
    • Assess distraction, disorientation, fixation, and lost-awareness hazards; preserve control and a useful aircraft-state, traffic, and terrain picture before lower-priority tasks. (PA.X.C.R4)
    • Assess single-engine fuel-management hazards and use only approved tank, pump, and crossfeed procedures while monitoring quantity, balance, and operating-engine supply. (PA.X.C.R5)
  • Part 4, One Engine Inoperative (Simulated) Guided Scenario(s):
    • In simulated instrument conditions, introduce an engine failure during straight-and-level flight or a turn. Require the learner to maintain control, identify and verify the inoperative engine, reduce drag, establish the appropriate engine-out airspeed, apply the checklist, evaluate performance, and select an action that ensures a safe landing.
  • 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) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • Have student find an airport diagram of a local airport.
    • Review the airport diagram symbology.
    • What information does the Chart Supplement provide regarding taxi operations?
    • What information do Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) provide regarding taxi operations?
    • Highlight hot spots.
  • Provide a simulated taxi clearance that includes turns, crossing/holding short of runways, etc. Simulated taxi clearance should cover taxiing to an active runway as well as from (post-landing).
    • What radio calls are required to comply with the air traffic control clearance?
  • Provide environmentals such as wind.
    • How would a pilot determine wind direction and speed while on the airport, utilizing visual and non-visual means?
    • Who has the right-of-way at an intersection (towered/non-towered airports)
    • How will flight controls change in turns relative to the environmentals provided?
  • Have the student describe the anticipated markings and signs related to taxiway identification and runway identification.
  • Discuss airport lighting for night operations.
  • Discuss procedures and mitigations during low visibility taxi operations.
  • Discuss checklist usage before, during, and after taxiing.
  • Discuss distractions, unexpected instructions/changes, expectation bias, and what constitutes a runway incursion.
  • Related scenarios:
    • Night Operations.
  • Aids: None.
Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Airman Certification Standards

  • Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight solely by reference to instruments with one engine inoperative
  • 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-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM.
Knowledge 1 ACS Element
  • PA.X.C.K1:
    Procedures used if engine failure occurs during straight-and-level flight and turns while on instruments.
Risk Management 5 ACS Elements
Skills 11 ACS Elements
  • PA.X.C.S1:
    Promptly recognize an engine failure and maintain positive airplane control.
  • PA.X.C.S2:
    Set the engine controls, reduce drag, identify and verify the inoperative engine, and simulate feathering of the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
  • PA.X.C.S3:
    Establish the best engine-inoperative airspeed and trim the airplane.
  • PA.X.C.S4:
    Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
  • PA.X.C.S5:
    Verify the prescribed checklist procedures used for securing the inoperative engine.
  • PA.X.C.S6:
    Attempt to determine and resolve the reason for the engine failure.
  • PA.X.C.S7:
    Monitor engine functions and make necessary adjustments.
  • PA.X.C.S8:
    Maintain the specified altitude ±100 feet or minimum sink rate if applicable, airspeed ±10 knots, and the specified heading ±10°.
  • PA.X.C.S9:
    Assess the airplane's performance capability and decide an appropriate action to ensure a safe landing.
  • PA.X.C.S10:
    Avoid loss of airplane control or attempted flight contrary to the engine-inoperative operating limitationsof the airplane.
  • PA.X.C.S11:
    Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Private Pilot (Airplane) One Engine Inoperative Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • One Engine Inoperative 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 One Engine Inoperative prepares private pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.

  • Closure:

    • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.