FAA multi-engine airplane class-rating foundations cheat sheet
FAA multi-engine airplane class-rating foundations · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Critical-engine reasoning and directional control
Control capability and climb performance are separate questions.
Thrust and drag moments depend on actual geometry and configuration.
Declare propeller rotation before identifying a critical engine.
Vmc is distinct from stall speed and best single-engine climb speed.
A mnemonic cue does not replace the actual identification and verification procedure.
Twin-aircraft propellers, governing and protection
Governing controls RPM rather than guaranteeing thrust or aircraft speed.
Oil-force direction and feathering mechanisms depend on actual design.
Feather reduces windmilling drag in its specified installation.
Synchronization, phase, tracking and balance are different functions.
Actual manuals govern checks, limits and operation.
Airframe, power distribution and protective systems
Trace the actual electrical, fluid and fuel paths.
Redundant labels do not eliminate common sources or limitations.
Crossfeed is not proof that every tank feeds every engine.
Stored energy remains relevant after a pump stops.
Actual system data governs the available capability after a failure.
Single-engine performance, loading and planning
Climb performance depends on remaining excess capability and actual drag.
Control speed does not guarantee a positive single-engine climb.
Absolute and service ceilings use different performance criteria.
Loading, take-off mass and landing mass are separate checks.
Use aircraft-specific preflight criteria instead of unconditional V1 or engine-out slogans.
Human performance and engine-out decisions
Convincing sensations can disagree with actual aircraft attitude.
A common source can make several displays agree incorrectly.
Confirmation and plan-continuation biases describe different evidence-handling problems.
Startle management preserves flight path and verifies the situation.
Recognition questions do not diagnose illness or certify fitness.
FAA responsibility and rating scope
Shared physics does not establish shared national operating rules.
Licences, ratings, operator approval and clearances are distinct requirements.
An incorrect readback does not itself amend a clearance.
Distress can concern persons as well as the aircraft.
Use current national publications and actual approved aircraft procedures.
FAA airplane and rotorcraft VFR reserve rules differ.
Apply the current airspace, altitude, time and aircraft provisions together.