We seem to have a number of different threads going here for the different critical failure situations. This is what I propose (and teach):[list=1][*]At any time that control is not possible: shut both throttles, lower the nose ('tis better to hit the ground erect than inverted)[*]Take off
- Default: throttles shut, stop on the runway ('tis better to be on the ground than in the air)
- If below Vtoss (take off safety speed) and below some height (why not the same as Ach (asymm commital ht): throttles shut, land straight ahead (option to then use power to reach best area)
- If above Vtoss & Ach: control, lower nose, full power, gear/flaps up, identify/verify/feather, small bank to live, etc at Vyse[*]Base leg (no fire): control, lower nose, full power, gear/flaps up, identify/verify/feather, small bank to live, etc at Vyse.[*]Final approach
- Visual, above Ach (no fire): control, lower nose, full power, gear/flaps up, identify/verify/feather, small bank to live, etc at Vyse
- Visual, Below Ach: land straight ahead, use power to reach best area (but lead with rudder!), speed may decrease to normal Vat asymm
- IMC, add Ach to DA/MDA to generate new DA/MDA (because Ach is designed to allow the aircraft to be accelerated, cleaned-up and a climb initiated)[/list=1]
Personally:
- I insist on a full failure brief at the end of the pre-departure checks
- I don't PRACTICALLY teach/examine engine failure on the runway because the margins are just too small and I believe it introduces an unacceptable risk for little benefit
- I don't PRACTICALLY teach/examine EFATO below the commit height/speed for the same reason.
For those that advocate teaching EFATO and land ahead from around 250ft, have you done the sums? Very roughly (assume MAUW, +15C, paved, sea level, nil wind, 0 flap)...
TODR 2200
distance from 50ft to 200ft (9s @ 1000fpm & 85kts): 1300ft
distance from 200ft to 50ft (18s @ 500fpm & 85kts): 2500ft
LDR 1900
Total, without the fiddle factors for grass and dither: 7900ft or 2.4km - does anyone instruct on light singles from a runway this long? Even if you do it at 50ft (staggeringly unsafe in my view) the distance needed is around 4000ft without any faffing about.
- I DO practically teach EFATO from a symmetric go-around just above Ach because this is fully representative of the take-off situation but with healthier margins and doesn't upset any NIMBYs at the end of the runway (well not as much, anyway)
Don't get me wrong, I agree wholeheartedly that if you are unable to control the aircraft at any time there is only one answer, become a glider and land the right way up in the best place available. My problem is that it is impractical to teach it at ground level, that's why the full EFATO drill is usually taught and examined at 2000-4000ft.
Health warnings:
1. I haven't got the Seneca POH to hand, these numbers came from some rough notes
2. the wine at lunchtime may have caused some imprecision in the calculatory department
... please don't shout too loud if I've boobed.
HFD