How would you manage a suspected dual engine failure at cruise altitude?

• A. Follow engine-out procedures; attempt to restore thrust on at least one engine; maintain safe altitude; notify ATC and follow QRH.
• B. Declare emergency and descend rapidly.
• C. Shut down all engines and glide.
• D. Request nearest airfield after landing.

Answer: (A)

When you suspect a dual engine failure at cruise, the key approach is to manage energy and pursue engine restarts using the established procedures. You would promptly follow the engine-out or dual engine failure procedures in the QRH, aiming to restore thrust on at least one engine while keeping the airplane in a safe energy state. Maintaining a suitable altitude and airspeed is important because it preserves options for restarting engines and for reaching a suitable landing site without rushing into a low-energy situation.

Declaring an emergency and coordinating with ATC ensures priority handling, vectors, and support as needed, and following the QRH provides the exact restart sequences and checks required for this situation. If one engine can be re-lit, you regain power and can continue toward a safe landing; if not, you still have more glide performance and options with altitude than if you descended rapidly without trying the restart.

The other actions aren’t appropriate because a rapid descent reduces the energy you need for a possible restart and a safe landing, shutting down all engines and gliding eliminates any chance to restore thrust, and waiting until after landing to request the nearest airfield forfeits priority and useful guidance while you’re still unpowered.