Definition
A training maneuver in which a flight instructor intentionally reduces engine power, typically by retarding the throttle to idle or in some cases by other approved means, to replicate the loss of engine power and require the student to perform emergency procedures as if a real engine failure had occurred.
Plain English
The instructor pretends the engine has quit, usually by pulling the throttle back, so the student has to react and handle the emergency as if it were real.
Context Anchor
Encountered during flight training, emergency procedure practice, and instructor risk-management discussions.
Derivation
Simulated comes from the Latin word meaning “to imitate” or “make like.” That helps here because the event imitates an engine failure for training, without requiring the engine to actually stop working.
Why Pilots Care
Allows pilots to rehearse critical emergency actions safely so they respond correctly and automatically if a genuine engine failure occurs.
Intuition Check
Do not read “simulated” as “risk-free.” The engine failure is not real, but the low-power flying, workload, and need to recover safely are real.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor announced a simulated engine failure shortly after takeoff and watched how the student handled the pitch attitude and field selection.
Example Sentence 2
After several simulated engine failures the student began to scan for suitable landing fields without prompting.