Engine Failure After Take-off

Although engine failure in modern gyroplanes is relatively rare, an engine failure during take-off presents one of the most critical situations a pilot may face. The gyroplane is normally at low altitude and relatively low airspeed, with little time available to respond. An engine failure shortly after take-off therefore requires prompt and decisive action. Successful management of an EFATO depends on making effective use of the limited time and height available.

The procedure taught in this lesson is intended to give the pilot the best chance of safely managing an engine failure after take-off. This briefing covers engine failure occurring both during the take-off and after becoming airborne.

Where conditions permit, later training should include completing the exercise to a landing, for example where sufficient runway remains ahead. As with all emergency procedure training, the emergency must be simulated in a manner that ensures there is no danger to the gyroplane or its occupants.

Considerable emphasis should be placed on practising the EFATO procedure until the correct response becomes automatic. This helps overcome the initial surprise or startle effect and allows the pilot to make better use of the limited time available for decision making, while maintaining control of the gyroplane throughout.