Definition
A training exercise in which the instructor simulates the loss of engine power, usually by retarding the throttle to idle, and the pilot must select a suitable landing site, establish best glide, plan an approach, and fly it down to a low altitude as if the engine had actually failed. The exercise ends with a go-around at a safe height; an actual touchdown is not made.
Plain English
It is practice for what to do if the engine quits. The instructor pretends the engine has failed, and the pilot picks a field, glides toward it, and flies the approach down low before climbing away again.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight training when practicing engine-out procedures, power-off landings, and emergency landing planning with an instructor.
Derivation
“Emergency” comes from a Latin idea meaning “to arise” or “come up,” which fits a situation that appears suddenly and needs action. “Simulated” means made to imitate a real condition; here, the emergency is imitated for training while the flight remains controlled.
Why Pilots Care
Builds the muscle memory and decision-making skills required to respond effectively to an actual engine failure, significantly improving survival chances in such events.
Grounding Statement
The emergency is practiced, not created: the airplane is still being flown with a safety margin while the pilot rehearses the real decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not read “simulated” as “not serious.” The emergency is not real, but the airplane, altitude, checklist use, traffic awareness, and landing decisions are real.
Example Sentence 1
On the way back to the airport, the instructor pulled the throttle to idle and announced a simulated emergency approach and landing, so the student picked a hayfield off the right wing and set up best glide.
Example Sentence 2
Proper airspeed control during emergency approaches and landings (simulated) ensures the aircraft can reach the chosen landing spot.