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The Beechcraft Baron is a popular light-twin aircraft used in training. Photography courtesy of Nicole Lund.
A single-engine approach in a multi-engine aircraft is required in the airman certification standards (ACS) when adding a multi-engine rating to a pilot certificate. Many pilots learn this maneuver in a light-twin aircraft, such as a Seneca, Baron, or Aztec. This maneuver is required for every additional type rating in a jet as well as recurrent training every year for pilots operating parts 135 and 121. Here are six things you should know about performing a single-engine approach in a multi-engine aircraft.
Flap setting may be reduced
Many aircraft require a reduced flap setting in order to decrease drag during a single-engine approach. This ultimately reduces the power required for the approach. Refer to the aircraft operating manual to confirm the procedure for different aircraft.
Faster approach speeds
Typically, single-engine approaches are flown at faster approach speeds. The faster approach speeds are required in order to fly the aircraft with less flaps deployed. Flaps are commonly used in normal landings to assist the aircraft to fly at slower speeds, increase drag, and decrease landing distances. It is more important to maximize the power on the operating engine by landing with less flaps and decreasing the aircraft's drag when flying a single-engine approach. To accomplish this, a faster approach speed is flown.
The rudder needed changes based on the power setting
When an increase in power on the operating engine is applied, more opposite rudder is needed. When reducing power to idle for the landing, it is important for the pilot to proportionally decrease the rudder during the landing. When adding power, such as a go around, opposite rudder is increased proportionally to the power that is added.
Don't forget crosswind correction
The workload is saturated during a single-engine approach; however, it is still important to make the necessary crosswind inputs while landing. Insufficient crosswind control can further threaten the landing.
Landing sight picture
The landing sight picture will look different due to the reduced flaps and the faster airspeed upon landing. This tends to make aircraft float in ground effect slightly longer than a normal landing.
Don't get too slow
A stall during a single-engine approach would be detrimental. A stall with one powerplant running would lead to a spin. Extra caution should be used to ensure the aircraft does not go into an undesirable aircraft state.
The single-engine approach puts piloting to the test. Flying a stable precision approach on one engine increases the workload significantly as well as the pressure on the pilot. However, this skill is critical for pilots to have mastered. Engine failures are uncommon, however, knowing how to get the aircraft on the ground safely is crucial.