PA.X.A — Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative

What does ACS code PA.X.A cover?

ACS Code PA.X.A covers "Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative" under Area of Operation X (Multiengine Operations) for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-6C). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).

Task Specification & Required References

• ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-6C (Private Pilot Airplane)
• Area of Operation: Area X — Multiengine Operations
• Task: Task A — Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative (AMEL, AMES)
• Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Airman Certification Standards Elements

Knowledge Elements

• PA.X.A.K1: Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
• PA.X.A.K2: VMC (red line) and best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (VYSE) (blue line).
• PA.X.A.K3: How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
• PA.X.A.K4: Importance of drag reduction, including propeller feathering, gear and flap retraction, the manufacturer's recommended control input and its relation to zero sideslip.
• PA.X.A.K5: Feathering, securing, unfeathering, and restarting.

Risk Management Elements

• PA.X.A.R1: Potential engine failure during flight.
• PA.X.A.R2: Collision hazards.
• PA.X.A.R3: Configuring the airplane.
• PA.X.A.R4: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
• PA.X.A.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

How do I study PA.X.A?

1. Read each element for PA.X.A in FAA-S-ACS-6C and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
2. Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
3. Practice with questions tagged PA.X.A, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

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Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: PA.IX.G — Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)
• Next task: PA.X.B — VMC Demonstration
• Same area: PA.X.B — VMC Demonstration
• Same area: PA.X.C — One Engine Inoperative (Simulated) (solely by Reference to Instruments) During Straight-and-Level Flight and Turns
• Same area: PA.X.D — Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)