In the event of an engine failure, what is the primary focus for the pilot?

In the event of an engine failure, the primary focus for the pilot is managing airspeed and control inputs. This is crucial because maintaining the correct airspeed allows the pilot to keep control of the aircraft and prevent a stall, which can occur if the aircraft slows down too much. Additionally, effective control inputs are necessary to maintain the aircraft's stability and trajectory, especially when dealing with asymmetric thrust from a failed engine.

By focusing on airspeed and control inputs, the pilot is in a better position to assess the situation and make informed decisions moving forward, such as whether to return to land or continue to the intended destination. This focus also provides the time needed to execute various emergency procedures, including addressing communications with air traffic control or preparing for a potential emergency landing later in the sequence.

While altitude maintenance, communication, and preparation for an emergency landing are all important tasks that may follow, they are secondary to the immediate need for control and stability in flight following an engine failure. Thus, managing airspeed and control inputs is critical to ensuring safety and effective handling of the emergency.