361 Multi-engine and MEI Checkride Mock Oral with Jason Blair + GA News
Aviation News Talk podcast
Deep Dive
Why do most pilots pursue multi-engine ratings?
Most pilots add a multi-engine rating to their existing commercial certificates, rather than obtaining it as an initial rating.
What is the recommended training path for aspiring commercial multi-engine pilots?
The most efficient path is: private single-engine, instrument rating, commercial single-engine, then multi-engine add-on.
Why are multi-engine checkrides sometimes difficult to schedule?
Not all examiners are qualified to conduct multi-engine checkrides on every aircraft type. Additionally, multi-engine training aircraft, often older models, are prone to mechanical issues, leading to scheduling conflicts.
Why is the accident rate higher during multi-engine training?
A less experienced instructor core combined with the complexity of multi-engine aircraft and the demanding nature of training maneuvers, especially VMC demonstrations, contribute to the higher accident rate.
How should pilots handle the VMC demonstration?
Pilots should simulate an engine failure in the worst possible configuration (gear down, takeoff flaps, critical engine). They must maintain directional control, recover by reducing the angle of attack and throttling back the good engine, and avoid stalling.
What key performance considerations are relevant to multi-engine aircraft?
Accelerate-stop distance, single-engine ceilings, and performance in high-density altitudes are crucial factors. Underpowered twins require careful handling during single-engine operations.
What's the difference between V1 and VMC?
V1 is a decision speed in jet operations, determining whether to stop or continue takeoff after engine failure. VMC is the minimum controllable airspeed in a multi-engine aircraft with one engine inoperative.
Why is VYSE + 10 a good practice in multi-engine flying?
Maintaining a speed of VYSE (best single-engine rate of climb) + 10 knots provides a safety margin for single-engine climb performance and helps avoid VMC.
How does bank angle affect VMC?
Banking 2 to 5 degrees into the good engine (raising the wing with the dead engine) can significantly reduce VMC, improving safety margins during single-engine flight. Each degree of bank can reduce VMC by up to 3 knots.
What immediate actions should a pilot take after an engine failure in a multi-engine aircraft?
The immediate actions are: Control the aircraft, maintain performance (airspeed blue line or better), adjust mixtures, props, and throttles forward, raise the gear (unless at low altitude), retract flaps (unless at low altitude), identify and verify the failed engine, then decide whether to fix or feather the propeller.
Why are heater systems different in multi-engine aircraft?
Unlike single-engine aircraft that utilize engine heat, multi-engine aircraft often use fuel-fired heaters because the engines are farther from the cockpit.
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