In article , Dale
wrote:
IMO for practice you should leave the prop in the Hi RPM position so
that it provides plenty of drag. Regardless of how you simulate the
engine failure you will be getting some thrust from the engine which
does improve the glide performance. When the real thing happens you
could be caught short if expecting the performance you experienced when
practicing. Putting the prop to the Low RPM position should provide
less drag in an actual engine out situation.
The way I do deadstick landings is to put most of the drag out early and
stay very tight to the field. My thought is I can always get rid of
some drag if needed.
The way I've practiced and done them real life is to leave the prop at
Hi RPM. I also turn base abeam my intended landing point and put the
flaps down full. I fly an extremely tight pattern to prevent coming up
short. IF it appear I might be a little short I can reduce RPM on the
prop and/or reduce the flap setting some (Cessna 182/206) to reduce
drag. It's what I practiced and it's what has worked for me "real life".

The best way to simulate an engine failure without producing thrust is
to pull the mixture all the way out.
When you want to bring the power back, just push the mixture back in
and the engine will restart.