PA.X.D — Task D — Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation X
Official ACS text — PA.X.D
ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARDReferences: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with executing a published instrument approach solely by reference to instruments with one engine inoperative. Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task. Note: For non-amphibious seaplanes, this task applies only when the applicant has immediate access to an instrument approach to a waterway.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.X.D.K1 Instrument approach procedures with one engine inoperative.
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.X.D.R1 Potential engine failure during approach and landing.
PA.X.D.R2 Collision hazards.
PA.X.D.R3 Configuring the airplane.
PA.X.D.R4 Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
PA.X.D.R5 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
PA.X.D.R6 Performing a go-around/rejected landing with an engine failure.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.X.D.S1 Promptly recognize an engine failure and maintain positive aircraft control.
PA.X.D.S2 Set the engine controls, reduce drag, identify and verify the inoperative engine, and simulate feathering of the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
PA.X.D.S3 Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
PA.X.D.S4 Follow the manufacturer’s recommended emergency procedures and complete the appropriate checklist.
PA.X.D.S5 Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
PA.X.D.S6 Request and follow an actual or a simulated air traffic control (ATC) clearance for an instrument approach.
PA.X.D.S7 Maintain altitude ±100 feet or minimum sink rate if applicable, airspeed ±10 knots, and selected heading ±10°.
PA.X.D.S8 Establish a rate of descent that ensures arrival at the minimum descent altitude (MDA) or decision altitude (DA)/decision height (DH) with the airplane in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway or landing path can be made, either straight in or circling as appropriate.
PA.X.D.S9 On final approach segment, maintain vertical (as applicable) and lateral guidance within ¾-scale deflection. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 62
PA.X.D.S10 Avoid loss of airplane control or attempted flight contrary to the operating limitations of the airplane.
PA.X.D.S11 Comply with the published criteria for the aircraft approach category if circling.
PA.X.D.S12 Execute a landing.
PA.X.D.S13 Complete the appropriate checklist(s). Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 63
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.