Legendary Captain

"Just pull straight to the runway threshold, lift both engines, and get into takeoff configuration," the instructor said. "Which type of single-engine failure would you like to experience? Single-engine malfunction? Fire alarm? Engine surge? High engine vibration? Or low oil pressure or high oil temperature?"

The instructor mentioned that each of these situations could cause the engine to stall, but these are just typical examples. There are certainly more reasons than just these that could cause an engine to stall.

The instructors showed considerable "respect" to Lian Shanxue, even consulting her opinion before attempting to troubleshoot. Normally, where would they ask a student what kind of troubleshooting they wanted to practice?

"Teacher, you can decide for yourself. I'm fine with everything," Lian Shanxue replied.

The instructor grunted and then fell silent. Lian Shanxue's cockpit preparations were complete, and then they went through the pre-taxi and pre-takeoff procedures one after another, until the aircraft was set to takeoff configuration.

As usual, after receiving takeoff clearance, the aircraft entered takeoff mode.

Xu Xian had considered many possible times for the instructor to initiate a single-engine malfunction. For example, after V1 or before VR, but he never expected the instructor to allow the engine to malfunction only 200 feet after takeoff. This is actually a relatively easy-to-control situation. Of course, the instructor may have taken into account Lian Shanxue's novice status and deliberately set up a relatively easier scenario.

When a single engine is involved, the most obvious sign is that the aircraft will veer off course, which is caused by the asymmetry in thrust between the two engines.

After passing an altitude of 200 feet, the aircraft suddenly veered off course without command, and Xu Xian knew that a single engine had been detected. His feet had been resting on the rudder the entire time, and at the instant the engine went out, he felt his right foot slightly press the right rudder.

It's Lian Shanxue! Lian Shanxue is correcting the aircraft's status!

When a single engine is malfunctioning, it's common knowledge for every pilot to know how to apply the rudder pedal. This is because the malfunctioning engine has no thrust, and the aircraft will automatically veer towards that side. In this situation, the pilot needs to apply the rudder pedal on the side of the malfunctioning engine to bring the aircraft back to normal.

However, in reality, the order cannot be reversed. It's not about first identifying which engine is malfunctioning and which isn't, and then applying rudder corrections. Instead, it's about first applying rudder control to stabilize the aircraft, and then assessing the engine's condition.

In a single-engine configuration, the thrust difference between the two engines is extremely significant. Without correction, the aircraft will quickly enter an abnormal state. This is especially true at takeoff, when every second counts; there's no time for the pilot to glance at the engine data from the vertical DU (Dynamic Duct System) and identify which engine is malfunctioning. If they were to dawdle like that, the aircraft would already be in a complex state. Perhaps it's somewhat better at high altitudes, where there's sufficient altitude for pilots to make corrections. But at takeoff, there's virtually no altitude margin; a moment's hesitation could result in a near-miss with the ground. No one can afford such a consequence.

A qualified pilot must react instantly to a single engine problem, with a speed that is almost reflexive.

Note that timely reaction to single-engine situations is only the most basic requirement for a qualified pilot. It doesn't mean that being able to accurately apply the single-engine pedal makes you a good pilot. Applying the single-engine pedal is a pilot's job, and you should master this skill. If a pilot can't apply the single-engine pedal quickly and accurately, then what's the point of flying? They might as well go home and farm instead of holding a position without doing anything and endangering lives.

Of course, when using a single-engine rudder, you not only need to be fast, but also accurate. In single-engine situations, a slow reaction time is extremely dangerous. And if you press the wrong rudder, it can be fatal.

The fire had already started, and instead of trying to put it out, they poured a bucket of oil on it. What else could that be but courting death?

Xu Xian knew which rudder to apply the moment the aircraft's condition deviated; it was almost instinctive. Lian Shanxue's application of the right rudder wasn't wrong, but the control was clearly insufficient. This indicated that Lian Shanxue lacked extreme confidence in her initial decision. She had merely tentatively applied what she thought was the correct rudder.

Because Lian Shanxue's rudder correction was insufficient, the aircraft continued to veer to the left.

"Are you out of energy? What good is this little bit of steering control?" Xu Xian reminded Lian Shanxue with a wry smile. He wasn't blaming Lian Shanxue; it was normal for her to have trouble controlling the steering on her first time using a single-engine motor.

Lian Shanxue blushed deeply at Xu Xian's words. She had just quickly glanced at the engine data and confirmed that the problem was with the number one engine. This boosted her confidence, and she began to gradually increase the control inputs, attempting to correct the aircraft's abnormal state.

Xu Xian caught Lian Shanxue glancing at the engine data, but he didn't say anything. Newcomers always lack confidence.

It must be said that Lian Shanxue's manual dexterity is really good. After confirming that it was a malfunction, her operation became more precise, and she no longer felt hesitant at the beginning.

However, Lian Shanxue's corrective action was a bit too late, causing the aircraft's overall flight path to deviate to the left, and by quite a bit.

"400 feet!" Xu Xian reminded him.

Lian Shanxue simply hummed in response, remaining focused on piloting the aircraft. Her large eyes were fixed intently on the PFD, almost bulging out of their sockets. Her small lips were tightly pursed, her concentration visibly evident.

It even looks kind of cute!

Xu Xian called out "400 feet" again, but Lian Shanxue responded with a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz. She was too preoccupied with controlling the single-target mode to spare any attention for responding to Xu Xian's prompts.

If this situation occurred in a real flight, Xu Xian would immediately take over the controls and fly the plane himself. However, this is training, so Lian Shanxue should practice while Xu Xian guides her.

Looking at Lian Shanxue's profile, which was almost etched with the word "serious," Xu Xian smiled knowingly and gently nudged Lian Shanxue's shoulder.

"My dear lady, we're already 400 feet!"

The instructor, who had witnessed this action, wore a smile like an uncle.