At what altitude should a timely decision to continue or eject be made if the High Key position cannot be reached during an engine failure?

The recommended altitude at which to make a timely decision to continue or eject if the High Key position cannot be reached during an engine failure is 2000 feet AGL. This altitude provides a balance between having enough time to assess the situation and maneuver the aircraft to a safe landing or to execute an ejection if necessary.

At 2000 feet AGL, pilots have a higher likelihood of successfully managing the aircraft during an engine out scenario, as this altitude offers adequate time to troubleshoot, assess the glide performance, and navigate toward a suitable landing area. Additionally, it serves as a critical point where options can be evaluated effectively before committing to the next course of action.

Choosing an altitude that is too low, such as 1500 feet AGL, may significantly reduce the available time for making necessary decisions and responding appropriately. Conversely, selecting an altitude that is too high, such as 2500 or 3000 feet AGL, could postpone critical decision-making and unnecessarily extend the situation, which could lead to increased risk if the glide is not managed properly. Thus, 2000 feet AGL is typically viewed as the optimal decision point for this scenario in T-6B primary flight training.