Engine Failure and Recovery Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Engine Failure and Recovery Exam

The Engine Failure and Recovery Exam assesses your knowledge of procedures for handling engine failures during various phases of flight, as well as recovery techniques to ensure safety and mitigate risks. Engine failure is one of the most critical emergencies a pilot or crew may encounter, and understanding the correct protocols is essential. Below is a detailed study guide.

Key Topics to Study

1. Types of Engine Failures

Partial Power Loss:
- Causes include fuel issues, mechanical malfunction, or intake/exhaust blockages.
- Symptoms: Reduced power output, abnormal sounds, or vibrations.
Complete Engine Failure:
- Causes: Fuel exhaustion, mechanical failure, bird strikes, or severe weather conditions.
- Symptoms: Total loss of thrust, rapid descent, and warning indicators in the cockpit.
Asymmetric Thrust (Multi-Engine Aircraft):
- How to recognize and manage engine-out scenarios that lead to yawing or rolling tendencies.

2. Causes of Engine Failures

Fuel Issues:
- Fuel starvation, contamination, or improper fuel selection.
Mechanical Failures:
- Component breakdowns, such as turbine blade damage, oil system failures, or compressor stalls.
Environmental Factors:
- Bird strikes, volcanic ash, severe turbulence, or icing.
Pilot Error:
- Mismanagement of engine systems, over-reliance on automation, or neglecting pre-flight checks.

3. Engine Failure During Various Phases of Flight

Takeoff:
- Decision-making: Continue or abort the takeoff based on speed (V1) and runway conditions.
- Procedures for engine failure after V1.
Climb:
- Maintaining best climb speed (Vy or Vx) and managing power on the remaining engine(s).
- Identifying safe return options or alternate airports.
Cruise:
- Driftdown procedures for multi-engine aircraft.
- Gliding techniques for single-engine aircraft.
Landing:
- Approach and landing considerations with reduced or no power.
- Stabilized approach techniques in an engine-out scenario.

4. Emergency Checklists

Immediate Actions:
- "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" principles.
- Ensuring control of the aircraft and establishing a glide path.
Engine Troubleshooting:
- Checking fuel supply, throttle settings, ignition systems, and gauges.
- Cross-checking with the engine failure checklist for specific aircraft.
Engine Shutdown:
- When and how to secure a failed engine to minimize further risks (fire, drag).

5. Recovery Procedures

Single-Engine Operations (Multi-Engine Aircraft):
- Managing asymmetric thrust and maintaining directional control.
- Using rudder trim and proper bank angles.
Forced Landing:
- Selecting a suitable landing site and setting up a glide approach.
- Managing energy to ensure a safe touchdown.
Restart Attempts:
- Assessing conditions for a safe engine restart.
- Restarting in flight using manufacturer-specific procedures.
Post-Recovery Assessment:
- Evaluating the safety of continued flight or the need for immediate landing.

6. Simulator Training Scenarios

Simulating engine failures in various flight phases to practice decision-making and recovery.
Practicing coordination with co-pilots and ATC during emergencies.

7. Regulations and Limitations

V1 Speed:
- Decision speed for aborting or continuing takeoff after engine failure.
Single-Engine Service Ceiling:
- Maximum altitude a multi-engine aircraft can maintain with one engine inoperative.
Glide Ratio:
- Understanding the glide performance of your aircraft to optimize distance.

8. Communication During Engine Failure

Emergency Calls:
- "MAYDAY" or "PAN-PAN" calls to ATC with location, nature of emergency, and intentions.
Coordination:
- Informing crew and passengers of the situation and actions being taken.

9. Post-Emergency Actions

Inspection of Aircraft:
- Ground inspection of the engine and related systems.
Reporting the Incident:
- Filing necessary incident reports with regulatory authorities.
Debriefing:
- Reviewing procedures followed and areas for improvement.

Sample Questions

Multiple Choice:
At what speed must a pilot decide to either abort or continue takeoff during engine failure?
- A. V1
- B. V2
- C. Vy
- D. Vr
(Correct Answer: A - V1)
Scenario Question:
You are cruising at 10,000 feet in a single-engine aircraft when you experience a complete engine failure. What steps would you take to ensure a safe landing?
True/False:
In a multi-engine aircraft, an engine failure during takeoff after V1 requires the pilot to continue the takeoff and climb at V2 speed.
(Correct Answer: True)
Practical Problem:
During a flight at 20,000 feet, the left engine in your twin-engine aircraft fails. Describe the steps you would take to stabilize the aircraft and reach a safe altitude or destination.
Fill-in-the-Blank:
The __________ procedure is used in multi-engine aircraft to descend to a lower altitude when an engine fails during cruise.
(Correct Answer: Driftdown)

Study Tips

Review Aircraft-Specific Procedures:
- Familiarize yourself with your aircraft's engine failure checklists and emergency protocols.
Practice in Simulators:
- Use flight simulators to practice handling engine failures during various phases of flight.
Understand Key Aerodynamic Principles:
- Study glide ratios, V-speeds, and the effects of asymmetric thrust.
Memorize Emergency Calls and Procedures:
- Know how to properly communicate with ATC and crew during an emergency.
Analyze Real-Life Incidents:
- Review case studies of engine failures to understand how pilots managed and recovered from similar scenarios.