During an engine failure, what is the first step a pilot should take?

Maintaining control of the aircraft and establishing the best glide speed is crucial during an engine failure. This step ensures that the pilot retains directional stability and altitude management, which are vital for safely navigating the aircraft. The best glide speed is the airspeed at which the aircraft can maximize its distance over the ground while descending, allowing the pilot to assess options for an emergency landing or troubleshoot the situation.

By focusing on maintaining control and glide speed, the pilot can make informed decisions regarding the situation and maintain the most favorable flight path. Other actions, such as activating emergency landing gear, starting the auxiliary power unit, or deploying parachutes, are secondary and typically not the immediate priority in addressing an engine failure. The primary concern must always be to keep the aircraft controlled and maximally efficient in descent.