Definition
Pre-planned departure procedures published by an operator for use when an engine fails on takeoff or during the initial climb in a multi-engine aircraft. They define the specific track, altitudes, climb gradients, and obstacle clearance required to safely depart a runway with one engine inoperative, often differing from the standard instrument departure because the aircraft can no longer meet the normal climb performance.
Plain English
A special escape route the crew flies if an engine quits during takeoff. It tells them exactly where to go, how high to climb, and how to stay clear of terrain and obstacles when the airplane can no longer climb as well as usual.
Context Anchor
Seen in multiengine takeoff planning, departure procedures, aircraft manuals, and company procedures for one-engine-inoperative obstacle clearance.
Derivation
Engine out is a practical aviation phrase. Here, out means not working or not producing useful power, not physically removed from the airplane. Procedures means planned steps to follow, not just general advice.
Why Pilots Care
Following these procedures keeps the aircraft clear of obstacles and satisfies regulatory safety margins when an engine fails at the most critical moment of flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read engine out procedures as just an emergency checklist for after something goes wrong. In this context, EOPs are planned before takeoff so the pilot knows exactly how to fly if an engine is lost during the critical climb.
Example Sentence 1
During the takeoff briefing, the captain reviewed the engine out procedure, noting the left turn to heading 270 if an engine failed after V1.
Example Sentence 2
After the right engine failed, the pilot flew the published engine out procedures to clear the obstacles beyond the runway end.