Max talks with Seth Lake about Vmc (Minimum Control Speed with the Critical Engine Inoperative) maneuvers, particularly focusing on their importance in multi-engine training. Seth also talks about the challenges and risks associated with VMC demonstrations and offers constructive suggestions for improving training practices in multi-engine aircraft.
Seth explains that Vmc is the minimum controllable airspeed of a multi-engine aircraft when the critical engine is inoperative, and the operative engine is at full power. The FAA mandates specific criteria for this maneuver, emphasizing the need for multi-engine pilots to understand how to control an aircraft during asymmetrical power events. VMC demonstrations are a crucial aspect of multi-engine training, requiring pilots to recover from a VMC condition during their practical tests.
The critical engine, which has the most adverse effect on the aircraft when inoperative, is typically determined by factors like P-factor, accelerated slipstream, spiraling slipstream, and torque. The interview delves into the intricacies of Vmc, including how manufacturers are allowed up to 150 pounds of rudder force for certification purposes, and highlights the challenges pilots face in maintaining control during a Vmc scenario.
Seth Lake describes an unscientific test he conducted using a force measurement tool in one of his aircraft, revealing the significant rudder forces required to hold coordinated flight in Vmc conditions. He also talks about altitude considerations during Vmc demonstrations.
The discussion then turns to the FAA's guidelines for the Vmc demonstration during commercial check rides, examining the specific setup and recovery procedures outlined in the ACS. He also mentions a potential contradiction in other FAA publications, such as the Practical Test Standards for multi-engine instructors, and the importance of understanding these nuances.
Seth also raises concerns about the inherent risks associated with Vmc demonstrations and suggests potential improvements to the current practices. He proposes an alternative method that involves holding the ailerons neutral, using full rudder deflection, and avoiding the five degrees of bank specified in the certification criteria. This alternative method aims to increase safety by reducing the likelihood of spins and providing a more realistic experience of loss of directional control.
The interview concludes with a discussion on the impact of passenger weight on the aircraft's center of gravity during Vmc demonstrations and highlights the need for careful considerations to enhance safety in these maneuvers.
If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, the Cash app, Zelle or Patreon.
Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets
Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk.
Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199
Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899
Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699
My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu
Send us your feedback or comments via email
If you have a question you’d like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.
News Stories
Mentioned on the Show
Incorrect Altitude Readback Leads To Near CFIT Incident
Flying Tiger Line Flight 66 Crash
Max's Interview on Dr. Scott Dennstaedt YouTube channel
Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk
So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars
Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification
Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we’ll make a couple of dollars if you do.
Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.
Check out Max’s Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/
Social Media
Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook
Follow Max on Instagram
Follow Max on Twitter
Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium
"Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com
If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
331 New ACS Changes and How They’ll Affect Your Next Checkride – Jason Blair + GA News
330 Prop Safety, Twin Comanche Crash and IFR Listener Stories - A Friday Mailbag Special
329 FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and How It Impacts GA Pilots
328 Buying a Plane and Crashing on Way Home - N8924Y Piper Twin Comanche
327 N84R Beech A36 Crash in KY – Pilot Breaks multiple FAA Rules + GA News
326 How to Get a Job Towing Gliders – Interview Jason Stephens + GA News
325 N51FM SR22 Crash Paso Robles – When to fly the Hold at an IF/IAF 325 N51FM SR22 Crash Paso Robles – When to fly the Hold at an IF/IAF + GA News 325 N51FM SR22 Crash Paso Robles – When to fly
324 13 Ways to build flight time with Rob Mark - Part 2 + GA News
323 13 Ways to build flight time with Rob Mark - Part 1 + GA News
322 N960LP TBM 960 Truckee crash; Robinson helicopter factory tour + GA News + GA News
321 Sleep Inertia and False Glide Slope – Air India Flight 812 Crash + GA News
320 The Secret to Making Better Landings with Data – Chuck Cali + GA News
319 Hot Springs Jet Crash, United FL 2477 Houston Overrun, Fuel Related Accidents + GA News
318 Recent Fuel Exhaustion and Fuel Starvation Accidents + GA News
317 Naples Challenger Jet Update & 1994 Challenger Dual Flameout + GA News
316 Flying a Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet with Max on a long Cross country trip + GA News 316 Flying a Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet with Max on a long Cross country trip + GA News 316 Flying a Cirrus SF50 Vision
315 Mastering Arrival Procedures: Common Issues and Best Practices for Instrument Pilots + GA News
314 Falcon Jet, N283SA Black Hole Crash in Georgia – with Rob Mark + GA News
312 How ATC Heroes Guided a Cincinnati Piper Pilot to Safety + GA News
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Next Trip - An Aviation and Travel Podcast
Layovers - Air Travel podcast
Opposing Bases: Air Traffic Talk
Pilot to Pilot - Aviation Podcast
20 Minute Travel