Definition
A three-step procedure used in a multi-engine airplane following an engine failure to shut down the failed engine correctly. Identify means determining which engine has failed, typically using the rule 'dead foot, dead engine' — the foot not pressing a rudder pedal corresponds to the inoperative engine. Verify means confirming that identification by slowly retarding the throttle of the suspected engine and observing no change in airplane performance or yaw. Feather means moving the propeller control of the confirmed failed engine to the feather position, rotating the propeller blades parallel to the relative wind to minimize drag.
Plain English
A short checklist a pilot follows after an engine quits on a twin: first work out which engine has failed, then double-check it by gently pulling back its throttle to make sure nothing changes, then set its propeller to feather so the blades slice edge-on through the air and stop creating drag.
Context Anchor
Used during multiengine engine-failure procedures, especially after takeoff or at low altitude when the airplane is still able to climb on one engine.
Derivation
Identify' and 'verify' are used in their everyday senses — recognize, then confirm. 'Feather' comes from the image of a feather lying flat against the wind: the propeller blades are turned so their thin edge faces forward, slipping through the air rather than catching it.
Why Pilots Care
Correct execution prevents continued operation of a failed engine that could cause fire or further damage while immediately reducing drag so the airplane can maintain climb or return safely on the remaining engine.
Analogy
Hold your open hand flat against the wind, and it catches a lot of air. Turn your hand sideways, edge-first, and it slips through the air more easily. Feathering a propeller is similar.
Intuition Check
Do not treat this as three casual words. Identify means name the failed engine, verify means confirm it before moving the wrong control, and feather means reduce drag from the failed engine’s propeller—not just shut something off.
Example Sentence 1
When the right engine lost power during climb-out, the pilot ran the identify, verify, and feather drill before turning back to the airport.
Example Sentence 2
With gear up and adequate climb speed confirmed, the instructor called for the student to identify, verify, and feather the simulated failed engine without delay.