FAA Airman Certification Standards Code
PA.X.D — Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)
Private Pilot Airplane · Area of Operation X: Multiengine Operations · Standard: FAA-S-ACS-6C
What does ACS code PA.X.D cover?
ACS Code PA.X.D covers "Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)" 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 D — Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) (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.D.K1: Instrument approach procedures with one engine inoperative.
Risk Management Elements
- PA.X.D.R1: Potential engine failure during approach and landing.
- PA.X.D.R2: Collision hazards.
- PA.X.D.R3: Configuring the airplane.
- PA.X.D.R4: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- PA.X.D.R5: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- PA.X.D.R6: Performing a go-around/rejected landing with an engine failure.
How do I study PA.X.D?
- Read each element for PA.X.D in FAA-S-ACS-6C and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
- Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
- Practice with questions tagged PA.X.D, and read the explanation for every miss.
- Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.
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