What is required in the event of an engine failure for maintaining flight?

Maintaining the Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude (MOCA) of the route is critical in the event of an engine failure. MOCA ensures that the aircraft is flying at an altitude that provides safe clearance over obstacles and terrain, which is particularly important when navigating an emergency situation. This altitude allows the pilot to maintain safe flight operations while considering the loss of engine power.

Maintaining MOCA ensures that the aircraft can safely engage in a controlled descent or maneuver to find a suitable landing area without encountering obstacles that may be present. It is a necessary consideration for both safety and compliance with regulations.

In contrast, flight level adjustments or a gradual descent strategy might not ensure sufficient clearance, especially if the terrain in the region is rugged. Using maximum thrust, although beneficial for maintaining speed and control, isn't applicable in a single-engine failure event since there is no thrust to utilize from the failed engine. Thus, the focus should instead be on maintaining adequate altitude for safety, embodied in the MOCA requirement.