Definition
Engine out procedures (EOPs) are pre-planned departure procedures developed by an operator for use when an engine fails on takeoff or during the initial climb. They specify the route, headings, altitudes, and obstacle clearance gradients the aircraft must follow with one engine inoperative, and are designed to keep the aircraft clear of terrain and obstacles when it can no longer meet the standard climb performance required by the published instrument departure.
Plain English
If an engine quits during or just after takeoff, EOPs are the special escape route the crew flies instead of the normal departure. They are worked out in advance so the aircraft can still climb away safely on the remaining engine(s) without hitting terrain.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff briefings, instrument departure planning, and company or aircraft procedures for multi-engine operations.
Derivation
“Engine out” is aviation shorthand for an engine that is not giving usable power. The engine is not physically “out” of the aircraft; it is out of service for the purpose of flight performance. “Procedures” means planned steps, so EOPs are the planned steps for handling that condition.
Why Pilots Care
Allows multi-engine aircraft to meet regulatory obstacle-clearance requirements after an engine failure instead of relying on emergency improvisation.
Grounding Statement
Picture a twin-engine aircraft losing one engine just after takeoff: the EOP is the already-planned safe way to keep flying and continue away from obstacles.
Intuition Check
“Engine out” does not mean the engine has fallen off the airplane. It means the engine is not providing usable power.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff, the captain briefed the engine out procedures, including the turn to the south to avoid the ridge if an engine failed after V1.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight briefing the crew reviewed the EOPs in case an engine failed after takeoff.