PA.IX.F — Task F — Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation IX
Official ACS text — PA.IX.F
ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARDReferences: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with engine failure after liftoff. Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.IX.F.K1 Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
PA.IX.F.K2 VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE).
PA.IX.F.K3 Accelerate/stop and accelerate/go distances.
PA.IX.F.K4 How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
PA.IX.F.K5 Importance of drag reduction, including propeller feathering, gear and flap retraction, the manufacturer’s recommended control input and its relation to zero sideslip.
PA.IX.F.K6 Simulated propeller feathering and the evaluator’s zero-thrust procedures and responsibilities.
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.IX.F.R1 Potential engine failure after lift-off.
PA.IX.F.R2 Collision hazards.
PA.IX.F.R3 Configuring the airplane.
PA.IX.F.R4 Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
PA.IX.F.R5 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.IX.F.S1 Promptly recognize an engine failure, maintain control, and use appropriate emergency procedures.
PA.IX.F.S2 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.
PA.IX.F.S3 Reduce drag by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance.
PA.IX.F.S4 Simulate feathering the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
PA.IX.F.S5 Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
PA.IX.F.S6 Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 56
PA.IX.F.S7 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.
PA.IX.F.S8 Simulate securing the inoperative engine.
PA.IX.F.S9 Maintain heading ±10° and airspeed ±5 knots.
PA.IX.F.S10 Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
Reproduced from FAA-S-ACS-6C, Change 1 (November 2023). Verify against the official document before relying on it.
Is this a regulation?
No — this is a certification standard, not a regulation.
Airman Certification Standards. The ACS defines what an applicant must know, consider and do to pass a practical test. It is a certification standard, not a regulation.