Readback: October 2021

IFR Staff

Monday, October 04, 2021 at 04:44 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multi-engine aircraft possess inherent VMC (minimum control speed) hazards that require rigorous training, as evidenced by historical experiences with physically demanding control in older planes.
The author, a retired pilot, stresses that standard checkrides often don't adequately cover engine loss at VMC, making personal practice crucial.
A strong recommendation is made for multi-engine pilots to safely explore their aircraft's behavior at the edge of VMC at altitude to prevent being caught off guard in real emergencies.

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Real-World VMC

“VMC Analyzed” in September 2020 by Bob Teter was excellent and triggered some memories for me.

I left the Air Force in 1963 after flying the C-135. I took all my paperwork to the FAA, expecting to leave with a B-707 type rating. They granted me a multi-engine, instrument, commercial rating, but withheld the type rating, saying that the Air Force checkrides do not include a V1 engine cut. It’s true; they deem it too dangerous.