Prepare for Engine Failure in a Multi-Engine Airplane | Lesson Prep

Your CFI's syllabus and your airplane's POH come first. This page is a general study aid to help you show up prepared.

What you'll do

Maintain control: rudder to stop the yaw, pitch for VYSE (blue line), bank slightly toward the good engine.
Mixtures, props, throttles forward (per the POH); gear and flaps up.
Identify ('dead foot, dead engine'), verify (retard the suspected throttle), then feather.
Secure the failed engine and land at the nearest suitable airport.

Quoted from the current FAA Airman Certification Standards for each level that tests this.

Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)Task PA.IX.F · Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)

Promptly recognize an engine failure, maintain control, and use appropriate emergency procedures.
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.
Reduce drag by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance.
Simulate feathering the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
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.
Simulate securing the inoperative engine.
Maintain heading ±10° and airspeed ±5 knots.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

Private Pilot ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)Task PA.X.A · Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative (AMEL, AMES)

Recognize an engine failure, maintain control, use manufacturer’s memory item procedures, and use appropriate emergency procedures.
Set the engine controls, identify and verify the inoperative engine, and feather the appropriate propeller.
Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
Attempt to determine and resolve the reason for the engine failure.
Secure the inoperative engine and monitor the operating engine and make necessary adjustments.
Restart the inoperative engine using manufacturer’s restart procedures.
Maintain altitude ±100 feet or minimum sink rate if applicable, airspeed ±10 knots, and selected headings ±10°.
Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

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