What is 'engine-out' performance in aviation?

The term 'engine-out' performance refers specifically to an aircraft's capability to maintain controlled flight in the event of engine failure. This is a critical aspect of safety and design in aviation, as it assesses how well a plane can perform when one of its engines is no longer operational. Pilots are trained to handle such situations, and aircraft must be engineered to ensure that they can continue to fly safely and reach a suitable landing area even with reduced power.

This performance metric involves several factors, including the aircraft's glide ratio, controllability, and emergency procedures that must be followed by the flight crew. Ensuring robust engine-out performance is vital for passenger safety and overall operational integrity, especially in multi-engine aircraft where redundancy is a key design principle.