PA.X.B — Task B — VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES)
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation X
Official ACS text — PA.X.B
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 VMC demonstration. 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.X.B.K1 Factors affecting VMC and how VMC differs from stall speed (VS).
PA.X.B.K2 VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE).
PA.X.B.K3 Cause of loss of directional control at airspeeds below VMC.
PA.X.B.K4 Proper procedures for maneuver entry and safe recovery.
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.X.B.R1 Configuring the airplane.
PA.X.B.R2 Maneuvering with one engine inoperative.
PA.X.B.R3 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.X.B.S1 Configure the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, in the absence of the manufacturer’s recommendations, then at safe single-engine speed (VSSE/VYSE), as appropriate, and:
PA.X.B.S1a a. Landing gear retracted
PA.X.B.S1b b. Flaps set for takeoff
PA.X.B.S1c c. Cowl flaps set for takeoff
PA.X.B.S1d d. Trim set for takeoff
PA.X.B.S1e e. Propellers set for high revolutions per minute (rpm)
PA.X.B.S1f f. Power on critical engine reduced to idle and propeller windmilling
PA.X.B.S1g g. Power on operating engine set to takeoff or maximum available power
PA.X.B.S2 Establish a single-engine climb attitude with the airspeed at approximately 10 knots above VSSE.
PA.X.B.S3 Establish a bank angle not to exceed 5° toward the operating engine, as required for best performance and controllability.
PA.X.B.S4 Increase the pitch attitude slowly to reduce the airspeed at approximately 1 knot per second while applying increased rudder pressure as needed to maintain directional control.
PA.X.B.S5 Recognize and recover at the first indication of loss of directional control, stall warning, or buffet.
PA.X.B.S6 Recover promptly by simultaneously reducing power sufficiently on the operating engine, decreasing the angle of attack as necessary to regain airspeed and directional control, and without adding power on the simulated failed engine.
PA.X.B.S7 Recover within 20° of entry heading. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 60
PA.X.B.S8 Advance power smoothly on the operating engine and accelerate to VSSE/VYSE, as appropriate, +10/-5 knots during recovery.
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.