Gyro Flight Instructor Guide » NZAA Instructor Guide » 11 EFATO

11 EFATO

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Engine Failure After Take-off

Engine failure in modern aircraft is quite rare, but the take-off phase presents the most challenging aspects of such emergencies. At this stage, the aircraft is typically heavy, slow, low, and in a nose-high position. These conditions result in minimal altitude and time to react to the emergency. Effectively managing an engine failure after take-off (EFATO) relies entirely on making the most of the limited time available. The procedure outlined in this lesson has been proven to maximise the chances of survival during an EFATO.

Whenever feasible during later lessons, students should aim to bring the aircraft safely to the ground, particularly when there is sufficient runway ahead. However, it's crucial to consider the human factors discussed in this briefing and the restricted time for necessary actions while maintaining control of the aircraft.

As with all emergency procedure training, the simulations are designed to ensure the safety of both the aircraft and crew. A significant amount of time is dedicated to overlearning the procedure, which helps create an automatic response that effectively utilises the available time, countering the initial surprise or shock and improving decision-making.