What should be your first action during an in-flight engine failure?

During an in-flight engine failure, maintaining control of the aircraft and assessing the situation is the critical first action. This step prioritizes the pilot's ability to stabilize the aircraft, as controlling the flight path is crucial in a multi-engine aircraft, particularly when one engine is inoperative.

The immediate focus should be on keeping the aircraft level or in a slight climb while addressing the engine failure. The pilot needs to evaluate the behavior of the aircraft, understand its performance characteristics with the remaining engine, and determine the best course of action to ensure safety. This includes checking for any unusual instrument readings, confirming airspeed is above minimum control speed, and deciding whether to proceed with a landing or a return to the takeoff airport.

Once control is established, subsequent actions, such as shutting down the inoperative engine or considering a forced landing, can be methodically addressed, ensuring safety and operational integrity as the pilot responds to the emergency. This overarching approach is foundational in aviation safety training, especially for multi-engine operations.