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PA.IX.E.R1FAA-S-ACS-6C · Nov 2023Risk management

Potential engine failure during takeoff.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Potential engine failure during takeoff.

Bottom line

Where Vs is encountered at or before Vmc, the departure from controlled flight may be quite sudden, with strong yawing and rolling (spinning) tendencies toward the idle engine. The prudent multiengine pilot should pick a decision point in the takeoff and climb sequence in advance. If an engine fails before this point, the takeoff should be rejected, even if airborne, for a landing on whatever runway or surface lies essentially ahead.

FAA references

  1. PHAK ch. 8 (p. 8-10) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  2. FAA-P-8740-66, Flying Light Twins Safely — FAA-P-8740-66
  3. AFH ch. 13 (p. 13-12) — FAA-H-8083-3C
  4. PHAK ch. 9 (p. 9-4) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  5. RMH ch. 3 (p. 3-1) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  6. AIH ch. 9 (p. 9-9) — FAA-H-8083-9B
  7. AFH ch. 9 (pp. 9-28–9-29) — FAA-H-8083-3C
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