Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area IX, Task E
The Commercial 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.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Attention/Motivator:0:05Part 1, Lesson Introduction:0:05Part 2, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC:1:15Part 3, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC Risk Management:1:15Part 4, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC Guided Scenario(s):0:20Part 2, Lesson Conclusion:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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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.
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Motivator:
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Internet connection (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.).
- Phone (for preflight briefing).
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Pilot Operating Handbook, Electronic Flight Bag.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Emergency Descent Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Diversions Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- AOPA's Online Learning Course - Weather or Not Thunderstorm Challenge.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Part 2, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC:
- Discuss selecting an alternate destination, including runway length, services, weather, terrain, and familiarity.
- Discuss diversion decision making, emphasizing early recognition and timely action.
- Discuss situations requiring deviation from the flight plan or ATC instructions.
- Review risks associated with delaying Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) decisions, including fuel exhaustion, deteriorating weather, and increasing workload.
- Discuss task prioritization and distractions, emphasizing “aviate, navigate, communicate.”
- Introduce available resources (charts, GPS, ATC, onboard equipment) and how they support Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) decisions.
- Part 3, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc Risk Management:
- Part 4, Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead a guided scenarios.
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- 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.
Guided Scenario(s)
- Take an existing flight plan and identify potential alternates
- What airports are suitable, have requisite services, or are most familiar?
- Discuss considerations for diverting for maintenance, weather, etc.
- Discuss resources available to make a Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) decision
- Walk through a diversion
- Related scenarios:
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Complete a personal weather minimums worksheet.
- Complete or review AOPA's Online Learning Course - Weather or Not Thunderstorm Challenge.
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Engine Failure During Takeoff Before Vmc (Simulated) Airman Certification Standards
- 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
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CA.IX.E.K1: Factors affecting minimum control airspeed (VMC). -
CA.IX.E.K2: VMC (red line) and best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (VYSE) (blue line). -
CA.IX.E.K3: Accelerate/stop distance.
Risk Management 3 ACS Elements
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CA.IX.E.R1: Potential engine failure during takeoff. -
CA.IX.E.R2: Configuring the airplane. -
CA.IX.E.R3:
Skills 2 ACS Elements
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CA.IX.E.S1: Close the throttles smoothly and promptly when a simulated engine failure occurs. -
CA.IX.E.S2: Maintain directional control and apply brakes (AMEL), or flight controls (AMES), as necessary.
Conclusion
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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 commercial pilots to manage more complex failures while preserving the margins needed for a safe outcome.
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Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.