Multi-Engine Blueline Experiment

Are you curious about how much rudder force it takes to hold Vyse? Or how much easier is it to maintain Vyse with the non-critical engine shut down? And what about the role of rudder trim? In this video, I’ll answer all these questions and more. Plus, don’t miss an extra demonstration on low-altitude engine failures at the end of the video. Tune in now!
*Edited for clarity. The original title was Vmc Experiment. However, we didn't actually test Vmc rudder force or Red Line, but rather tested Vyse or Blueline speed as that is the only speed we fly during training. I will be doing some further tests in other aircraft that will show the rudder force required for both Vmc and Vyse.
Chapters:
6:15: Takeoff
8:32: Measuring Device
10:18: Critical Engine Test
11:44: Trim Test
15:38: Non-critical Engine Test
17:20: Use of trim for OEI cruise
21:55: Pattern entry
23:10: Landing
24:50: Takeoff Briefing
27:47: Danger Zone
29:38: Final Thoughts

[@SethLakeDPE]

Chapters:
6:15: Takeoff
8:32: Measuring Device
10:18: Critical Engine Test
11:44: Trim Test
15:38: Non-critical Engine Test
17:20: Use of trim for OEI cruise
21:55: Pattern entry
23:10: Landing
24:50: Takeoff Briefing
27:47: Danger Zone
29:38: Final Thoughts

[@harrygodwin9956]

Great Video Captain Schappert 🙏 Thank you very much

[@tracepilot5628]

This will be a great video to show people what to expect when they start training in the twin.
I’ve heard a lot of abstract statements about rudder force required but you pretty clearly showed that a general result of what it takes.

[@SethLakeDPE]

Thanks for the feedback! This is exactly what I was going for.

[@grj512]

Good stuff! Need to come back out and get my MEI done.

[@SethLakeDPE]

Thanks!

[@AmericanBonanzaSociety]

Great video, Seth.

[@SethLakeDPE]

Thank you!

[@thomasairbuspilot]

You finally did it!

[@brianentwistle9638]

Blue line is not VMC. Blue line is best single engine climb. Vmc is minimum controllable airspeed. It’s when you no longer have enough rudder to prevent the aircraft from rolling over.

[@SethLakeDPE]

You are correct. We did both tests and I decided to show VYSE since that was the best video we had in cockpit. I probably should have redone the intro to avoid confusion but thank you for the correction.
VYSE (Blue line) is not the same as VMC (red line).

[@kevinbaslee3262]

Thanks!

[@SethLakeDPE]

Thank you so much!

[@RustyCoon]

Great Video and rad shirt Trey!

[@SethLakeDPE]

😎

[@takeflightsbih636]

I love that plane. Getting my multi in a Seminole so no critical for me, for now

[@captainflower899]

goated with the sauce thanks king

[@SethLakeDPE]

This comment makes me feel old 💀

[@nelsonbrandt7847]

I love the yaw string. Do you always fly with it or was it just for the Vmc demo video?

[@SethLakeDPE]

I put it on occasionally. If you leave it on it tends to scratch the windscreen.

[@bobcfi1306]

What was the ball position with the yaw string centered during vmc? Can you reduce power on the simulated dead engine below zero thrust at altitude to simulate asymmetrical thrust conditions at sea level ?

[@SethLakeDPE]

During the rudder force test the dead engine was at idle. The only time it was at zero thrust was during cruise. I guess you could reduce it below zero thrust at cruise to simulate sea level, however you wouldn't be able to simulate the extra power you would have on the operating engine at sea level.
The ball position was about 1/3 split.

[@nelsonbrandt7847]

Pre departure brief; engine failure below 400 AGL; how do you react to an applicant who briefs their intent to continue flight?

[@SethLakeDPE]

That is completely up to the applicant and really a factor of the aircraft performance. There are many light twins that are capable of continuing a climb out on a single engine. However, there are many that are not. It's my technique to brief aborting below 400' in a Travel Air.

[@ScottBissell]

I am just a PPL Student right now, and about to solo. I don't remember ever hearing the term "Blue Line". Could someone provide a quick explanation? I get that it is some specific speed, but what speed does that signify and is it specific to multi-engine ops?

[@SethLakeDPE]

Blue line is a speed specific to multi engine flying. You can read about it in the Airplane Flying Handbook chapter 13 page 13-27. It is the One Engine Inoperative (OEI) best climb speed.

[@Ruger41mag]

Having not flown light twins, only twin turboprops, what is the significance of the 400 ft AGL "decision altitude"?

[@SethLakeDPE]

Good question. I discuss it in depth in my multi engine part 2 video. Basically it's a function of reaction time and sink rate with a windmilling engine.

[@Ruger41mag]

@@SethLakeDPE Thanks!

[@bobcfi1306]

Thanks!

[@SethLakeDPE]

You're welcome! And thank you!