Determining Critical Engine
- Description
- Curriculum
- Reviews
Understand how to determine the critical engine and why it matters in multi-engine aircraft control and performance.
The critical engine is the engine whose failure would most adversely affect aircraft performance and handling. In this lesson, you will learn how to determine the critical engine and why its failure can create greater control challenges during one-engine-inoperative operations.
This lesson introduces the major factors that determine critical engine, including P-factor, accelerated slipstream, spiraling slipstream, and torque. You will also review how asymmetric thrust affects directional control, why the critical engine is important during Vmc discussions, and how pilots apply this knowledge during training, checkrides, and real-world multi-engine operations.
Want the complete training path?
This lesson is included in the complete Ace Pilot Academy Multi-Engine Training Series, which includes all 14 lessons, quizzes, PDF study guides, final review, checkride readiness checklist, and final quiz.
Best value: Start the full Multi-Engine Training Series instead of purchasing lessons one at a time.
What You’ll Learn
- What the critical engine is
- Why critical engine matters in multi-engine aircraft
- How asymmetric thrust affects directional control
- How P-factor contributes to critical engine determination
- How accelerated slipstream affects aircraft control
- How spiraling slipstream influences yawing tendencies
- How torque affects multi-engine handling
- Why critical engine knowledge is important for Vmc and engine-failure training
Why This Matters
Understanding the critical engine helps pilots better understand multi-engine controllability, Vmc, and one-engine-inoperative performance. When the critical engine fails, the aircraft may require greater rudder input and more precise control. Knowing why this happens helps pilots respond more effectively during training, checkrides, and real-world engine-out scenarios.
Important Note
This lesson is for training and study purposes. Always follow the aircraft-specific AFM/POH, approved engine-failure procedures, approved Vmc demonstration procedures, approved checklists, instructor guidance, and applicable FAA procedures.
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1
Lesson 4: Determining Critical EngineThis lesson explains how to determine the critical engine in a conventional multi-engine airplane using the major aerodynamic factors associated with engine-out control: P-factor, accelerated slipstream, spiraling slipstream, and torque effect.
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2
Determining Critical Engine QuizThis quiz checks your understanding of the critical engine and the four aerodynamic factors commonly used to explain it: P-factor, accelerated slipstream, spiraling slipstream, and torque effect.
