Task X.D
Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)
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. For non-amphibious seaplanes, this task applies only when the applicant has immediate access to an instrument approach to a waterway.
References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25; FAA-P-8740-66; POH/AFM
Study Notes
AMEL/AMES task. A single-engine instrument approach flown to a landing — energy management plus the no-go-around commitment.
Run the engine-out flow (set controls, reduce drag, identify, verify, simulate feather — evaluator sets zero thrust), trim for zero sideslip, complete the checklist, then request an ATC clearance for the approach — a straight-in with a long final if I can get it. Fly at or above VYSE until landing is assured (ACS X.D, AFH ch 13).
Late and deliberately. Typical technique: stay clean until glideslope intercept or the final approach fix, gear down there to start down, approach flaps only if performance allows, and full flaps when landing is certain. Every drag item narrows my options if anything goes wrong (AFH ch 13).
- Altitude ±100 ft (or minimum sink if applicable), airspeed ±10 kt, heading ±10°.
- Final approach segment: lateral and vertical guidance within three-quarter-scale deflection.
- Arrive at MDA or DA positioned to land straight-in or circling.
- Comply with circling category criteria if circling.
- Execute a landing (ACS X.D S7–S12).
Plan not to. A single-engine missed approach in a light twin, configured and low, may be beyond the airplane's performance — so the approach briefing includes a commitment point after which I'm landing. If a miss is unavoidable, it happens as early and as clean as possible: power up, pitch for VYSE, drag up, one item at a time (AFH ch 13, ACS X.D R6).
Declare it. Priority handling gets me the straight-in approach, a longer final, the current weather, and equipment standing by. I state souls and fuel when asked, and I don't accept a clearance (like a tight circling approach) that the airplane can't safely fly on one engine (AIM 6-1-2).
The operating engine — temperatures, pressures, fuel flow, and the fuel selector/crossfeed situation — plus the approach needles and the airspeed floor at blue line. The classic failure mode on this task is shedding the scan to fuss with the dead engine and blowing through three-quarter-scale deflection (ACS X.D S5, S9).
Official ACS elementsreference
Knowledge1 element
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.X.D.K1Instrument approach procedures with one engine inoperative.
Risk Management6 elements
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.X.D.R1Potential engine failure during approach and landing.PA.X.D.R2Collision hazards.PA.X.D.R3Configuring the airplane.PA.X.D.R4Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).PA.X.D.R5Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.PA.X.D.R6Performing a go-around/rejected landing with an engine failure.
Skills13 elements
The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.X.D.S1Promptly recognize an engine failure and maintain positive aircraft control.PA.X.D.S2Set 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.S3Use 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.S4Follow the manufacturer’s recommended emergency procedures and complete the appropriate checklist.PA.X.D.S5Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.PA.X.D.S6Request and follow an actual or a simulated air traffic control (ATC) clearance for an instrument approach.PA.X.D.S7Maintain altitude ±100 feet or minimum sink rate if applicable, airspeed ±10 knots, and selected heading ±10°.PA.X.D.S8Establish 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.S9On final approach segment, maintain vertical (as applicable) and lateral guidance within ¾-scale deflection.PA.X.D.S10Avoid loss of airplane control or attempted flight contrary to the operating limitations of the airplane.PA.X.D.S11Comply with the published criteria for the aircraft approach category if circling.PA.X.D.S12Execute a landing.PA.X.D.S13Complete the appropriate checklist(s).