Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

If an aircraft experiences an engine failure during takeoff, what is the first priority of the pilot?

1. Land on the remaining runway.

2. Maintain control of the aircraft.

3. Attempt to restart the engine.

4. Notify air traffic control.

The correct answer is: Maintain control of the aircraft.

When an aircraft experiences an engine failure during takeoff, the first priority of the pilot is to maintain control of the aircraft. This is essential because losing an engine can significantly affect the aircraft's performance, especially right after liftoff when the aircraft is close to the ground and potentially in a critical phase of flight. Maintaining control involves ensuring that the aircraft remains stable and that the pilot can manage its attitude, airspeed, and directional control. Focusing on control allows the pilot to execute appropriate procedures and make timely decisions, which may include safely returning to the runway, attempting to glide to an open area, or managing any other specific actions based on the aircraft's altitude and speed. Attempting to restart the engine, landing on the remaining runway, or notifying air traffic control are important tasks, but they come after ensuring the aircraft is controlled to prevent loss of control, which could lead to a more dangerous situation. Prioritizing control allows for these other actions to be carried out more effectively and safely.