Originally Posted by
IFEZ
I'm with you Dr. I must say I'm a bit perplexed by all this. I'm no expert on the matter and I'm certainly not trying to contradict others on here who clearly have vastly more experience and expertise than me, but when I did my initial twin training and further training on other types, like the good Dr, simulated engine failures were always done using the mixture control. As far as I'm aware, all the schools at MB were using this method, and presumably still are. (And at low level too ie in the circuit).
My question is, if this method is so inherently dangerous, and given the amount of twin training that happens at MB and elsewhere, why haven't there been more accidents of this type during training and proficiency checks..?
Have we all just been incredibly lucky..?! 
No I don't think so.
I'm at a loss to understand exactly why the throttle is being promoted as a safer way to simulated an engine failure. The only explanation offered is the engine responds more reliably. I've never had an issue with using the mixture.
It's my hypothesis that a significant proportion of training accidents are caused by either the instructor trying to be too "realistic" and/or simulating at inappropriate altitudes or in inappropriate conditions. If the difference in safety is a matter of whether or not the mixture or throttle is used then I'd venture to suggest the timing of the simulation was inappropriate.