Hugh Flung Dung:
Thanks for the info. Fortunately I DON'T teach ME. I'm a SE PPL instructor, but do hold an ME class rating. I must admit to being a but rusty on ME theory so please correct me if I'm wrong, but I always understood that if the ball was in the centre, then it indicated the aircraft was flying in balance (multi or single engine). If the ball was out to one side or another, this would indicate a sideslip.
When Assymetric, Banking the aircraft to the good engine and relaxing rudder is purely to minimise drag, and although this WOULD put the aircraft into a sideslip, (ball half way caged), it is the best compromise from a drag point of view.
When a ME engine aircraft in assymetric configuration is turned, the angle of bank is (generally) limited to about 15 degrees towards the failed engine and this is nothing to do with fire. The base to final turn is probably the most critical since this is when there is the greatest risk of the speed bleeding off (if mishandled) and approaching VMC - and you really don't want to be banked towards the failed engine when the rudder runs out of authority. While I agree that turns are not directly related to sideslip, I have never been able to avoid it one way or another when assymetric. (...and I would happily admit this is probably due to shortcomings in my own handling technique).
Now I hear what you say about the outboard tanks. Good point and I hadn't considered it. My training has always concentrated on keeping the fire away from the cockpit.
Regards,