During an engine-out scenario in cruise or approach, what is the recommended action?

• A. To descend rapidly.
• B. Maintain safe airspeed and altitude and execute the prescribed procedure.
• C. To maintain altitude at all costs.
• D. To optimize fuel efficiency.

Answer: (B)

In an engine-out situation, the priority is to keep the airplane controllable and positioned to land safely. The best action is to maintain safe airspeed and altitude and follow the published engine-out procedure. Keeping the airspeed above stall and maintaining altitude preserves energy, gives you time to diagnose the problem, configure the airplane for single-engine operation, and identify a suitable landing area. Descending rapidly wastes energy and reduces options, while trying to hold altitude at all costs ignores the need to reach a viable landing site. Fuel efficiency isn’t the goal in an emergency; the focus is on safety and executing the correct procedure to manage the situation.