| Engine Failure Enroute
Normally, when an engine failure occurs while enroute in cruising flight, the situation is not as critical as when an engine fails on takeoff. With the more leisurely circumstances, the pilot should take time to determine the cause of the failure and to correct the condition, if possible. If the condition cannot be corrected, the single engine procedure recommended by the manufacturer should be accomplished and a landing made as soon as practical. A primary error during engine failure is the pilot's tendency to perform the engine out identification and shutdown too quickly, resulting in improper identification or incorrect shutdown procedures. The element of surprise generally associated with actual engine failure may result in confused and hasty reactions. When an engine fails during cruising flight, the pilot's main problem is to maintain sufficient altitude to be able to continue flight to the point of intended landing. This is dependent on the density altitude, gross weight of the airplane, and elevation of the terrain and obstructions. When the airplane is above its single engine service ceiling, altitude will be lost. The single engine service ceiling is the maximum density altitude at which the single engine best rate of climb speed will produce 50 FPM rate of climb. This ceiling is determined by the manufacturer on the basis of the airplane's maximum gross weight, flaps and landing gear retracted, the critical engine inoperative, and the propeller feathered. Although engine failure while enroute in normal cruise
conditions may not be critical, it is a recommended practice to add maximum
permissible power to the operating engine before securing or shutting down the
failed engine. If it is determined later that maximum permissible power on the
operating engine is not needed to maintain altitude, it is a simple matter to
reduce the power. Conversely, if maximum permissible power is not applied, the
airspeed may decrease much farther and more rapidly than expected. This
condition could present a serious performance problem, especially if the
airspeed should drop below Vyse. After the landing gear and flaps are retracted and the failed
engine is shut down and everything is under control (including heading and
altitude), it is recommended that the pilot communicate with the nearest ground
facility to let them know the flight is being conducted with one engine
inoperative. FAA facilities are able to give valuable assistance if needed,
particularly when the flight is conducted under IFR or a landing is to be made
at a tower controlled airport. Good judgment would dictate, of course, that a
landing be made at the nearest suitable airport as soon as practical rather than
continuing flight. Restarts after feathering require the same amount of care, primarily to avoid engine damage. Following the restart, the engine power should be maintained at the idle setting or slightly above until the engine is sufficiently warm and is receiving adequate lubrication. Although each make and model of airplane must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the following typical checklist is presented to familiarize the transitioning pilot with the actions that may be required when an engine fails. ENGINE FAILURE DURING FLIGHT 1. Mixtures - AS REQUIRED for flight altitude.
9. Operative Engine - ADJUST.
AIRSTART (After Shutdown) Airplanes With Propeller Unfeathering System:
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