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.
Introduction
-
Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Engine Failure After Liftoff:0:10Part 3, Engine Failure After Liftoff Risk Management:0:20Part 4, Engine Failure After Liftoff Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
-
Attention Getter:
- Research and present a mishap case study:
- .
- 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.
- Research and present a mishap case study:
-
Motivator:
- .
Materials
-
Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) or an internet-enabled device to access FARs.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
-
Optional Materials:
- Instructor endorsement log.
- Pilot Logbook.
-
Reference Materials:
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Register for the WINGS Program.
- Basicmed.
- Medxpress System.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Multi Engine Operations Supplement.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
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.
- Part 2, Flight Planning Fundamentals:
- .
- Part 3, Engine Failure After Liftoff Risk Management:
- Part 4, Engine Failure After Liftoff Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenario.
- Part 5, Lesson Conclusion:
- 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 Interactive Guided Scenario
Interactive Guided Scenario
Loading scenario details...
Decision 1
0%
Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Register for the WINGS program, if not done so already.
- Complete initial BasicMed requirements.
- Complete a student pilot certificate application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or by paper using FAA form 8710-1.
- Complete an electronic application for an FAA Medical Clearance, Medical Certificate, through the FAA's MedXPress system.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Transitioning to Other Airplanes.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
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: -
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
-
CA.IX.F.R1: Potential engine failure after lift-off. -
CA.IX.F.R2: -
CA.IX.F.R3: Configuring the airplane. -
CA.IX.F.R4: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
CA.IX.F.R5:
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.S5: Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required. -
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).
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.