Approach and Landing with One Engine Inoperative (OEI) (Simulated) (Multiengine Helicopter Only)

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the student will demonstrate the ability to safely perform a simulated one engine inoperative (OEI) approach and landing in a multiengine helicopter in accordance with FAA-S-ACS-15 Task PH.VIII.C. The student will identify critical elements of OEI approaches, apply proper risk management techniques, and execute the approach within specified performance tolerances while maintaining situational awareness and following appropriate procedures.

Content

Regulatory Basis

Per 14 CFR 61.87(n), student pilots must receive training on emergency operations including simulated engine failures. For multiengine helicopters, 14 CFR 61.129(e)(3)(ii) requires commercial pilot applicants to demonstrate OEI approaches. The operation must comply with 14 CFR 91.3 regarding pilot-in-command authority and responsibility during emergencies.

Elements of OEI Approach and Landing (PH.VIII.C.K1)

Critical Phase Recognition The OEI approach begins when engine failure is recognized and continues through touchdown. Unlike single-engine helicopters where autorotation is the only option, multiengine helicopters can maintain powered flight on one engine within operational limitations.

Power Management The remaining engine must operate within OEI limits as specified in the aircraft’s flight manual. These limits typically include maximum OEI power (30-second, 2-minute, and continuous ratings) and associated temperature and torque restrictions. Exceeding these limits can cause catastrophic engine failure.

Flight Profile Considerations OEI approaches require shallower approach angles than normal approaches due to reduced power margins. The approach profile must account for increased power requirements during configuration changes and the inability to perform a go-around in many situations.

Configuration Management Gear extension, flap deployment, and other configuration changes must be sequenced to minimize power demands. Each configuration change affects the helicopter’s power requirements and must be coordinated with available OEI power.

Atmospheric Effects on OEI Operations (PH.VIII.C.K2)

Density Altitude Impact High density altitude significantly reduces OEI performance. As density altitude increases, the remaining engine produces less power while rotor efficiency decreases. This creates a compounding effect that may make OEI operations impossible above certain density altitudes.

Wind Considerations Headwinds reduce required power by decreasing groundspeed, while tailwinds increase power requirements. Crosswinds create additional challenges during approach and landing, requiring careful consideration of available power margins for directional control.

Turbulence Effects Turbulence increases pilot workload and may require power adjustments to maintain flight path. In OEI conditions, available power margins are reduced, making turbulence management more critical.

Stabilized Approach Principles (PH.VIII.C.K3)

Stabilized Approach Criteria A stabilized OEI approach requires established approach angle, airspeed, and descent rate by 300 feet AGL. The helicopter must be configured for landing with appropriate power settings within OEI limits.

Energy Management Unlike normal approaches where excess power is available, OEI approaches require precise energy management. Altitude equals potential energy that can be converted to kinetic energy if needed. Maintaining proper approach speed provides kinetic energy for flare execution.

Go-Around Considerations Many OEI approaches become committed approaches where go-around capability is limited or nonexistent. The decision point must be identified early, typically based on power available versus power required calculations.

Approach Profiles and Configuration (PH.VIII.C.K4)

Shallow Approach Profile OEI approaches typically use 3-5 degree approach angles compared to 6-8 degrees for normal approaches. This shallow profile reduces power requirements and provides better energy management options.

Normal vs. Steep Approach Considerations Normal approaches are preferred for OEI operations due to lower power requirements. Steep approaches should only be used when obstacles require them and sufficient power margins exist.

Configuration Sequence Landing gear should be extended early to minimize power transients during final approach. Other configuration changes should be made at higher altitudes where more options exist if power limitations are exceeded.

Risk Management Elements

Altitude, Wind, Terrain, and Obstruction Analysis (PH.VIII.C.R1) Before beginning the approach, analyze available altitude for energy management, wind effects on power requirements, terrain features that may create turbulence or restrict escape routes, and obstacles that may require steeper approaches and higher power settings.

Flight Path Planning (PH.VIII.C.R2) Select an approach path that minimizes obstacles, provides energy management options, and accounts for wind effects. The path should allow for shallow approach angles and provide abort options as long as possible.

Collision Hazard Awareness (PH.VIII.C.R3) OEI approaches may require extended final approaches and different airspeeds than normal traffic. Maintain vigilant traffic watch and make appropriate radio calls to alert other aircraft of your emergency status and intentions.

Task Prioritization and Situational Awareness (PH.VIII.C.R4) During OEI approaches, prioritize flight safety over secondary tasks. Maintain situational awareness of power margins, approach parameters, and environmental conditions. Avoid fixation on instruments at the expense of outside visual references.

Emergency Checklist Procedures

Immediate Action Items Following engine failure recognition, complete immediate action items from memory: maintain rotor RPM, identify failed engine, reduce collective as needed, and maintain aircraft control.

Follow-up Checklist Items Complete appropriate emergency checklists for engine failure and OEI approach procedures as specified in the aircraft flight manual.

Single-Pilot Resource Management

In OEI situations, workload increases significantly. Use SRM techniques including:

• Prioritizing tasks (fly the aircraft first)
• Managing automation appropriately
• Maintaining situational awareness
• Making timely decisions
• Utilizing all available resources

Schedule

Equipment

Required References:

• FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook
• FAA-S-ACS-15 Private Pilot Helicopter Airman Certification Standards
• Aircraft Flight Manual/Pilot’s Operating Handbook
• 14 CFR Parts 61 and 91

Required Materials:

• Appropriate multiengine helicopter
• Current sectional chart
• OEI performance charts and graphs
• Emergency checklists
• Radio and intercom equipment

Visual Aids:

• OEI approach profile diagrams
• Power available vs. power required charts
• Approach angle comparison illustrations
• Emergency checklist reference cards

Instructor Actions

1. Conduct comprehensive pre-flight briefing explaining OEI approach theory, power limitations, and safety procedures
2. Review aircraft-specific OEI limitations, performance charts, and emergency procedures from the flight manual
3. Demonstrate proper pre-flight inspection procedures with emphasis on engine and transmission components
4. Execute normal takeoff and climb while explaining power management techniques
5. Demonstrate simulated engine failure at safe altitude, showing immediate action items and decision-making process
6. Execute demonstration OEI approach explaining flight path selection, power management, and configuration changes
7. Narrate approach profile management including altitude, airspeed, and descent rate control
8. Demonstrate proper use of emergency checklists and radio procedures during approach
9. Show energy management techniques including use of altitude and airspeed for approach control
10. Execute safe landing while maintaining OEI power limitations and explaining crosswind correction techniques
11. Debrief demonstration highlighting key learning points and common errors
12. Monitor student practice approaches providing guidance on power management and flight path control
13. Provide corrective instruction for approach profile deviations and power management errors
14. Emphasize safety considerations throughout including abort criteria and power limitations
15. Conduct thorough post-flight debriefing reviewing performance against ACS standards

Student Actions

During Ground Instruction:

• Ask questions about OEI procedures and limitations
• Review aircraft flight manual OEI performance data
• Identify emergency checklist items and procedures

During Flight:

• Assist with pre-flight inspection under instructor supervision
• Observe instructor demonstration while taking notes on key techniques
• Practice OEI approaches under close instructor supervision
• Execute proper power management within OEI limitations
• Maintain specified approach parameters and flight path
• Complete appropriate emergency checklists
• Make required radio calls announcing emergency status
• Demonstrate proper crosswind correction techniques
• Apply single-pilot resource management principles
• Participate in post-flight debriefing and self-assessment

Completion Standards

The student demonstrates satisfactory performance when able to accomplish the following elements in accordance with FAA-S-ACS-15 Task PH.VIII.C:

Knowledge Standards:

• Explains elements of OEI approach and landing procedures including power limitations and flight profile requirements
• Describes effects of atmospheric conditions on OEI performance and approach planning
• Defines stabilized approach criteria for OEI operations
• Identifies appropriate approach profiles and configuration sequences for OEI approaches

Risk Management Standards:

• Analyzes altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available landing areas prior to approach
• Plans and follows appropriate flight path to selected landing area
• Maintains awareness of collision hazards and makes appropriate radio calls
• Demonstrates proper task prioritization and maintains situational awareness throughout approach

Skill Standards:

• Maintains operating engine within OEI limits throughout approach and landing (PH.VIII.C.S1)
• Maintains recommended flight profile prior to final approach: altitude ±200 feet, airspeed ±20 knots, heading ±10° (PH.VIII.C.S2)
• Makes appropriate radio calls announcing emergency status and intentions (PH.VIII.C.S3)
• Plans and follows flight path considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions (PH.VIII.C.S4)
• Completes appropriate emergency checklists in correct sequence (PH.VIII.C.S5)
• Maintains directional control and applies appropriate crosswind corrections throughout approach and landing (PH.VIII.C.S6)
• Demonstrates effective single-pilot resource management including task prioritization and situational awareness (PH.VIII.C.S7)