ENGINE OUT

In aviation, no operation is initiated without first implementing preventive measures for all foreseeable contingencies or establishing a predetermined course of action to be followed in the event of an anomaly.

This principle forms the foundation of aviation operations. A substantial portion of flight training is dedicated to rehearsing pre-planned responses to potential abnormal or emergency situations.

For instance: LTBS (Dalaman), KEKIK1R Standard Instrument Departure (SID) requires a high climb gradient. While meeting this performance requirement is generally achievable under normal operating conditions, in the event of an engine failure, the probability of maintaining the required gradient is significantly reduced.

For operations at airports with challenging terrain — such as Dalaman (LTBS), which is surrounded by mountainous obstacles — the aircraft must be loaded in such a way that it can achieve obstacle clearance with only one engine operative. This constraint typically necessitates loading the aircraft well below its maximum takeoff capacity, effectively limiting the payload to comply with single-engine performance requirements. Consequently, this results in a substantial loss of revenue potential for the airline. For example, an aircraft capable of accommodating 189 passengers under normal conditions may be restricted to carrying only 100 passengers under these limitations.

What is the mitigation strategy for this situation?

For such terrain-critical airports, airlines develop customized Engine Out Procedures (EOPs), tailored specifically for each runway and scenario. These procedures are designed to ensure safe obstacle clearance following an engine failure. An example of such a procedure developed by Pegasus Airlines for LTBS Runway 01 can be found in Figure 1.

LTBS Runway 01L/01R Engine-Out Procedure

1. Applicability

This procedure is to be executed in the event of an engine failure after V1 during takeoff from LTBS Runways 01L or 01R. Immediate communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is mandatory following the occurrence.

2. Standard Emergency Callout

"MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, SUNTURK XXX, ENGINE FAILURE, RUNWAY HEADING 4.8 DME, THEN LEFT TURN TO DLM VOR, CLIMBING TO 5000 FEET."

Upon receiving the emergency transmission, ATC will prioritize the emergency aircraft and appropriately sequence other traffic to maintain safe separation.

3. Procedure Execution

• After engine failure and V1 commitment, maintain runway heading until reaching 4.8 DME.

• Execute a left turn toward DLM VOR.

• Initiate climb to an initial altitude of 5,000 feet.

• While inbound to DLM VOR, communicate the intended subsequent routing to ATC.

• Upon reaching the minimum safe altitude (MSA), the aircraft may enter a holding pattern over DLM VOR if required.

If weather conditions at LTBS are within operational limits and aircraft status permits, proceed to conduct a single-engine approach and landing at LTBS.If conditions are unsuitable, divert to the pre-designated Takeoff Alternate Airport as determined during preflight planning.

4. Preflight Preparation and Briefing

Prior to initiating the Preflight Checklist, the flight crew shall conduct a comprehensive departure briefing, which must include:

• ATIS/NOTAM Review, QNH Setting (PF - Pilot Flying)

• Runway in Use, Minimum Flap Retraction Altitude (PF)

• Expected Taxi Routing (PF)

• FD Master Selection, Bank Angle Setting (PF)

• SID (Standard Instrument Departure) Briefing (PF)

• Engine-Out Procedure Briefing (PF)

• Visual Fire Circuit Briefing (PF)

• Noise Abatement Procedures (PF)

• Takeoff Briefing (to be completed by the Captain)

  
  

5. Operational Readiness

Following completion of the briefing and preflight preparations, the flight crew is deemed ready for departure.The availability of a clearly defined Engine-Out Procedure enables the aircraft to operate at or near maximum allowable takeoff weight while maintaining regulatory compliance with obstacle clearance requirements under OEI (One Engine Inoperative) conditions.