Flight Instructor ACS · Area XII
AI.XII Emergency Operations
7 tasks and 130 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as AI.XII.A.K1, lands on its own line.
Flight Instructor Airman Certification Standards, FAA-S-ACS-25 (November 2023 edition), effective May 31, 2024 and incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 61.14. Text from the FAA’s ACS page, checked on 11 November 2026. If the FAA has published a newer edition since, the codes and wording may differ: the FAA document is the authority.
AI.XII.A Emergency Descent
To determine the applicant understands emergency descent, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.XII.A.K1Knowledge
- Purpose of and procedures for emergency descent.
- AI.XII.A.K2Knowledge
- Situations that would require an emergency descent (e.g., depressurization, smoke, or engine fire).
- AI.XII.A.K3Knowledge
- Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
- AI.XII.A.K4Knowledge
- Aircraft performance and limitations.
- AI.XII.A.K5Knowledge
- Airspeed, including airspeed limitations.
- AI.XII.A.K6Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.XII.A.R1Risk management
- Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations.
- AI.XII.A.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.XII.A.R3Risk management
- Configuring the airplane.
- AI.XII.A.R4Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.XII.A.S1Skill
- Clear the area.
- AI.XII.A.S2Skill
- Establish and maintain the appropriate airspeed and configuration appropriate to the scenario specified by the evaluator and as covered in Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)/Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) for the emergency descent.
- AI.XII.A.S3Skill
- Maintain orientation, divide attention appropriately, and plan and execute a smooth recovery.
- AI.XII.A.S4Skill
- Use bank angle between 30° and 45° to maintain positive load factors during the descent.
- AI.XII.A.S5Skill
- Maintain appropriate airspeed +0/-10 knots, and level off at a specified altitude ±100 feet.
- AI.XII.A.S6Skill
- Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- AI.XII.A.S7Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.XII.B Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated) (ASEL, ASES)
To determine the applicant understands power failure at altitude and associated emergency approach and landing procedures, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.XII.B.K1Knowledge
- Immediate action items and emergency procedures.
- AI.XII.B.K2Knowledge
- Airspeed, including:
- AI.XII.B.K2aKnowledge
- Importance of best glide speed and its relationship to distance
- AI.XII.B.K2bKnowledge
- Difference between best glide speed and minimum sink speed
- AI.XII.B.K2cKnowledge
- Effects of wind on glide distance
- AI.XII.B.K3Knowledge
- Effects of atmospheric conditions on emergency approach and landing.
- AI.XII.B.K4Knowledge
- A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
- AI.XII.B.K5Knowledge
- Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) and other emergency locating devices.
- AI.XII.B.K6Knowledge
- Air traffic control (ATC) services to aircraft in distress.
- AI.XII.B.K7Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.XII.B.R1Risk management
- Altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, gliding distance, and available landing distance considerations.
- AI.XII.B.R2Risk management
- Following or changing the planned flightpath to the selected landing area.
- AI.XII.B.R3Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.XII.B.R4Risk management
- Configuring the airplane.
- AI.XII.B.R5Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.XII.B.R6Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.XII.B.S1Skill
- Establish and maintain the recommended best glide airspeed, ±10 knots.
- AI.XII.B.S2Skill
- Configure the airplane in accordance with the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)\Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) and existing conditions.
- AI.XII.B.S3Skill
- Select a suitable landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, obstructions, and available glide distance.
- AI.XII.B.S4Skill
- Plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions.
- AI.XII.B.S5Skill
- Prepare for landing as specified by the evaluator.
- AI.XII.B.S6Skill
- Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- AI.XII.B.S7Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.XII.C Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
To determine the applicant understands system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the aircraft provided for the practical test, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.XII.C.K1Knowledge
- Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
- AI.XII.C.K2Knowledge
- System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:
- AI.XII.C.K2aKnowledge
- Electrical malfunction
- AI.XII.C.K2bKnowledge
- Vacuum/pressure and associated flight instrument malfunctions
- AI.XII.C.K2cKnowledge
- Pitot-static system malfunction
- AI.XII.C.K2dKnowledge
- Electronic flight deck display malfunction
- AI.XII.C.K2eKnowledge
- Landing gear or flap malfunction
- AI.XII.C.K2fKnowledge
- Inoperative trim
- AI.XII.C.K3Knowledge
- Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.
- AI.XII.C.K4Knowledge
- Any other system specific to the aircraft (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing).
- AI.XII.C.K5Knowledge
- Inadvertent door or window opening.
- AI.XII.C.K6Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.XII.C.R1Risk management
- Startle response.
- AI.XII.C.R2Risk management
- Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction.
- AI.XII.C.R3Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.XII.C.R4Risk management
- Undesired aircraft state.
- AI.XII.C.S1Skill
- Determine appropriate action for simulated emergencies specified by the evaluator, from at least three of the elements or sub-elements listed in K1 through K5.
- AI.XII.C.S2Skill
- Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- AI.XII.C.S3Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.XII.D Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
To determine the applicant understands emergency equipment and survival gear, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.XII.D.K1Knowledge
- Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) operations, limitations, and testing requirements.
- AI.XII.D.K2Knowledge
- Fire extinguisher operations and limitations.
- AI.XII.D.K3Knowledge
- Emergency equipment and survival gear needed for:
- AI.XII.D.K3aKnowledge
- Climate extremes (hot/cold)
- AI.XII.D.K3bKnowledge
- Mountainous terrain
- AI.XII.D.K3cKnowledge
- Overwater operations
- AI.XII.D.K4Knowledge
- When to deploy a ballistic parachute and associated passenger briefings, if equipped.
- AI.XII.D.K5Knowledge
- When to activate an emergency auto-land system and brief passengers, if equipped.
- AI.XII.D.K6Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.XII.D.R1Risk management
- Survival gear (water, clothing, shelter) for 48 to 72 hours.
- AI.XII.D.R2Risk management
- Use of a ballistic parachute system.
- AI.XII.D.R3Risk management
- Use of an emergency auto-land system, if installed.
- AI.XII.D.S1Skill
- Identify appropriate equipment and personal gear.
- AI.XII.D.S2Skill
- Brief passengers on proper use of on-board emergency equipment and survival gear.
- AI.XII.D.S3Skill
- Simulate ballistic parachute deployment procedures, if equipped.
- AI.XII.D.S4Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.XII.E Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
To determine the applicant understands engine failure during takeoff, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.XII.E.K1Knowledge
- Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
- AI.XII.E.K2Knowledge
- VMC (red line) and best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (VYSE) (blue line).
- AI.XII.E.K3Knowledge
- Accelerate/stop distance.
- AI.XII.E.K4Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.XII.E.R1Risk management
- Potential engine failure during takeoff.
- AI.XII.E.R2Risk management
- Configuring the airplane.
- AI.XII.E.R3Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.XII.E.S1Skill
- Close the throttles smoothly and promptly when a simulated engine failure occurs.
- AI.XII.E.S2Skill
- Maintain directional control and apply brakes (AMEL), or flight controls (AMES), as necessary.
- AI.XII.E.S3Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.XII.F Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
To determine the applicant understands engine failure after liftoff, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.XII.F.K1Knowledge
- Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
- AI.XII.F.K2Knowledge
- VMC (red line), VYSE (blue line), and safe single-engine speed (VSSE).
- AI.XII.F.K3Knowledge
- Accelerate/stop and accelerate/go distances.
- AI.XII.F.K4Knowledge
- How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
- AI.XII.F.K5Knowledge
- Importance of drag reduction, including propeller feathering, gear and flap retraction, the manufacturer's recommended control input and its relation to zero sideslip.
- AI.XII.F.K6Knowledge
- Simulated propeller feathering and the evaluator's zero-thrust procedures and responsibilities.
- AI.XII.F.K7Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.XII.F.R1Risk management
- Potential engine failure after lift-off.
- AI.XII.F.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.XII.F.R3Risk management
- Configuring the airplane.
- AI.XII.F.R4Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.XII.F.R5Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.XII.F.S1Skill
- Promptly recognize an engine failure, maintain control, and use appropriate emergency procedures.
- AI.XII.F.S2Skill
- Establish VYSE; if obstructions are present, establish best single-engine angle of climb speed (VXSE) or VMC +5 knots, whichever is greater, until obstructions are cleared. Then transition to VYSE.
- AI.XII.F.S3Skill
- Reduce drag by retracting landing gear and flaps in accordance with the manufacturer's guidance.
- AI.XII.F.S4Skill
- Simulate feathering the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
- AI.XII.F.S5Skill
- Use flight controls in the proper combination as recommended by the manufacturer, or as required to maintain best performance, and trim as required.
- AI.XII.F.S6Skill
- Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
- AI.XII.F.S7Skill
- Recognize the airplane's performance capabilities. If a climb is not possible at VYSE, maintain VYSE and return to the departure airport for landing, or initiate an approach to the most suitable landing area available.
- AI.XII.F.S8Skill
- Simulate securing the inoperative engine.
- AI.XII.F.S9Skill
- Maintain heading ±10° and airspeed ±5 knots.
- AI.XII.F.S10Skill
- Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- AI.XII.F.S11Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
AI.XII.G Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)(AMEL, AMES)
To determine the applicant understands approach and landing with an inoperative engine, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
- AI.XII.G.K1Knowledge
- Factors affecting minimum controllable speed (VMC).
- AI.XII.G.K2Knowledge
- VMC (red line) and best single-engine rate of climb airspeed (VYSE) (blue line).
- AI.XII.G.K3Knowledge
- How to identify, verify, feather, and secure an inoperative engine.
- AI.XII.G.K4Knowledge
- Importance of drag reduction, including propeller feathering, gear and flap retraction, the manufacturer's recommended control input and its relation to zero sideslip.
- AI.XII.G.K5Knowledge
- Applicant responsibilities during simulated feathering.
- AI.XII.G.K6Knowledge
- Common errors related to this Task.
- AI.XII.G.R1Risk management
- Potential engine failure after in flight or during an approach.
- AI.XII.G.R2Risk management
- Collision hazards.
- AI.XII.G.R3Risk management
- Configuring the airplane.
- AI.XII.G.R4Risk management
- Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- AI.XII.G.R5Risk management
- Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
- AI.XII.G.R6Risk management
- Possible single-engine go-around.
- AI.XII.G.S1Skill
- Promptly recognize an engine failure and maintain positive aircraft control.
- AI.XII.G.S2Skill
- Set the engine controls, reduce drag, identify and verify the inoperative engine, and simulate feathering of the propeller on the inoperative engine (evaluator should then establish zero thrust on the inoperative engine).
- AI.XII.G.S3Skill
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended emergency procedures and complete the appropriate checklist.
- AI.XII.G.S4Skill
- Monitor the operating engine and aircraft systems and make adjustments as necessary.
- AI.XII.G.S5Skill
- Maintain the manufacturer's recommended approach airspeed ±5 knots in the landing configuration with a stabilized approach, until landing is assured.
- AI.XII.G.S6Skill
- Make smooth, timely, and correct control application before, during, and after touchdown.
- AI.XII.G.S7Skill
- Touch down on the first one-third of available runway/landing surface, with no drift, and the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway center or landing path.
- AI.XII.G.S8Skill
- Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
- AI.XII.G.S9Skill
- Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
- AI.XII.G.S10Skill
- Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Other areas in this standard
FI.I Fundamentals of Instructing6 tasksAI.II Technical Subject Areas16 tasksAI.III Preflight Preparation3 tasksAI.IV Preflight Lesson on a Maneuver to be Performed in Flight1 taskAI.V Preflight Procedures6 tasksAI.VI Airport and Seaplane Base Operations2 tasksAI.VII Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds15 tasksAI.VIII Fundamentals of Flight4 tasksAI.IX Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers6 tasksAI.X Slow flight, Stalls, and Spins9 tasksAI.XI Basic Instrument Maneuvers5 tasksAI.XIII Multiengine Operations3 tasksAI.XIV Postflight Procedures2 tasks
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Last updated 11 November 2026.