Aircraft Control After Engine Failure on Takeoff

FAA

AviaƟon Safety

www.FAASafety.gov Produced by FAA’s General AviaƟon and Commercial Division General AviaƟon

Joint Steering CommiƩee

Training Aid

January 2016

Aircraft Control After Engine Failure on Takeoff Studies have shown that startle responses during unexpected situaƟons such as power‐plant failure during takeoff or iniƟal climb have contributed to loss of control of aircraŌ. By including an appropriate plan of acƟon in a departure briefing for a power‐plant failure during takeoff or iniƟal climb, you can manage your startle response and maintain aircraŌ control.

Considerations for Takeoff Brief

The briefing given by the pilot‐in‐command

(PIC) should be specific for each flight. Avoid allowing the checklist to become rouƟne and create complacency.

 Airport Info: Consider runway condiƟons, traffic acƟviƟes, and airspace complexiƟes.

 IdenƟfy V Speeds: Airspeeds such as Vy, Vx, Vr and best glide should be considered for current condiƟons prior to takeoff.

 Terrain/ObstrucƟons: Mountains, power‐lines, trees or towers may become obstrucƟons during emergencies; idenƟfy them prior to departure.

 Abort Point: Establish an abort point prior to take‐off. Abort if you haven’t achieved 70% takeoff speed by the runway midpoint.

 AŌer LiŌ‐off: Once the informaƟon above is determined, brief your plan for an engine failure during and aŌer take‐off.

Best Practices

As part of pre‐planning and preparaƟon, consider these in case of a power‐plant failure during and aŌer take‐off. AddiƟonal training and pracƟce — in a safe environment with a flight instructor — can reduce the startle response to an unexpected event, such as an actual power‐plant failure, and improve outcomes.

 Straight Ahead or Turn Back? Research indicates a higher probability of survival if you conƟnue straight ahead following an engine failure aŌer take‐off. Turning back actually requires a turn of greater than 180 degrees aŌer taking into account the turning radius. Making a turn at low alƟtudes and airspeeds could create a scenario for a stall/spin accident.

 PracƟcing the Turn Back: Turning back to the airport may be a natural reacƟon to an emergency on takeoff. AircraŌ performance, wind, terrain, and your startle response are some areas that need to be considered prior to making the decision to turn around. PracƟcing this maneuver at a safe alƟtude will provide you with experience in seeing how much alƟtude is lost during the turn.

ConƟnued on Next Page

Training Considerations

 Spend Ɵme with a flight instructor discussing and reviewing items previously menƟoned, and idenƟfying factors that could affect you in the event of an unexpected situaƟon. This will help encourage a thorough pilot briefing prior to departure and enhance your preparedness for unexpected events. AddiƟonal factors may be perƟnent to your aircraŌ type, airport environment or other flying condiƟons.

 Receive emergency procedures training to brush up on areas not frequently reviewed and to pracƟce emergency procedures in the aircraŌ, especially if you are operaƟng a new aircraŌ and/or new equipment.

 While receiving emergency procedures training, consider the alƟtude required and aerodynamic consideraƟons while performing a 180 degree turn simulaƟng a return to the runway aŌer a power‐plant failure aŌer takeoff. This training should be performed at an alƟtude to ensure a safe recovery in the event of a stall/spin.

 PracƟce landing on a non‐paved runway to simulate an emergency landing off airport.

 Receive comprehensive upset recovery training by a qualified training provider to enhance aircraŌ control when reacƟng to an unexpected events, which may lead to loss of control.

Additional Resources

 Flight Risk Assessment Tool hƩp://1.usa.gov/1LJ1xU0  “Managing the Unexpected” GAJSC Fact Sheet hƩp://1.usa.gov/1UnMn91  “Loss of Control‐Inflight” Safety Brochure hƩp://1.usa.gov/1Go16xP  “The Impossible Turn?”

hƩp://www.pilotworkshop.com/Ɵps/ takeoff_impossible_turn.htm  “Engine Failure on Takeoff” hƩp://www.pilotworkshop.com/Ɵps/ engine_failure_takeoff.htm www.FAASafety.gov Produced by FAA’s General AviaƟon and Commercial Division