Piper PA-34-220T Seneca III VMCA Demonstration and VSSE

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V_MCA Demonstration and V_SSE

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V_MCA Demonstration and V_SSE
Single-engine training revolves around two speeds: V_SSE, the floor for intentional one engine flight, and V_MCA, which the demonstration approaches at a safe height. The danger is where the stall and V_MCA arrive together.
At a glance
- V_SSE85 KIAS
- V_MCA66 KIAS
- Minimum altitude for the demonstration3500 ft above the ground
- Rate of slowingapproximately 1 knot per second
- Bank toward the operative engine5°
The two speeds
V_SSE, the intentional one engine inoperative speed, is 85 KIAS for the Seneca III. V_MCA has been determined to be 66 KIAS. In training or in an emergency on one engine, keep the indicated airspeed above 85 KIAS.
Setting up the demonstration
Never below 3500 feet above the ground.
1. Landing gear — UP
2. Flaps — UP
3. Airspeed — at or above 85 KIAS (V_SSE)
4. Propeller controls — HIGH RPM
5. Throttle (simulated inoperative engine) — IDLE
6. Throttle (other engine) — MAX ALLOWABLE
7. Airspeed — reduce about 1 knot per second until either V_MCA or the STALL WARNING is reached
CAUTION — Use rudder to hold the heading and ailerons to keep a 5° bank toward the operative engine.
Recovery
Immediately reduce power on the operating engine and lower the nose to accelerate to V_SSE.
The most critical case is where the stall speed and V_MCA coincide: directional control is lost at the stall, and a spin could result.
VMCA demonstrationSet up, slow down, recover
Not started
A fixed set-up, a steady slowdown of about 1 knot per second, and an immediate recovery at the first sign of VMCA or the stall warning. Set it up.
The panel unlocks when the run starts. Each run picks its own scenario.
VMCA Demonstration
Every branch is listed. Start a run to see its own steps.
·Altitude — NEVER BELOW 3500 ft above the ground
·Landing gear — UP
·Flaps — UP
·Airspeed — AT OR ABOVE 85 KIAS (VSSE)
·Propeller controls — HIGH RPM
·Throttle (simulated inoperative engine) — IDLE
·Throttle (other engine) — MAX ALLOWABLE
·Ailerons — 5° OF BANK TOWARD THE OPERATIVE ENGINE (rudder holds the heading)
·Airspeed — REDUCE about 1 knot per second until VMCA or the STALL WARNING
·Power on the operating engine — REDUCE IMMEDIATELY
·Nose — LOWER to accelerate to VSSE (85 KIAS)
Set-up, rate and recovery from the PA-34 lesson; VSSE 85 KIAS, VMCA 66 KIAS. Which engine is simulated inoperative and whether VMCA or the stall warning comes first are random; the 72 KIAS stall warning is illustrative. The attitude indicator face is a generic analogue design (the lessons do not describe it); the ball's side follows the physics, its exact offset is illustrative.
Check yourself
- What are V_SSE and V_MCA?
- What is the minimum height for a V_MCA demonstration?
- How are the throttles set, and how quickly is the airspeed reduced?
- What ends the slowdown?
- Describe the recovery, and the most critical situation.
Study aid — always fly your aircraft's current AFM/POH.
Source: Piper PA-34-220T Seneca III Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual, Report VB-1150, p. 4-36..4-37, Rev. 16 (15 May 1998)
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VMCA Demonstration and VSSE

At a glance

The two speeds

Setting up the demonstration

Recovery

Check yourself

V_MCA Demonstration and V_SSE