What are some initial indications of an engine failure?

The correct answer highlights two primary indicators of an engine failure: loss of power and loss of airspeed. When an engine fails, the aircraft significantly reduces thrust, which directly impacts its ability to maintain altitude and speed. Pilots will experience a noticeable decrease in performance, reflected by the aircraft's inability to climb or maintain its current airspeed, signaling a possible engine failure.

Other options such as the flaps moving to the deployed position typically relate to pilot input or safety measures during landing rather than engine performance. Increased fuel flow is counterintuitive to an engine failure, as you would expect fuel flow to reduce or stabilize, reflecting a malfunction rather than a normal operation. Lastly, while noise from the rear of the aircraft might suggest engine issues, it is not a primary or definitive indicator of an engine failure like the loss of power and airspeed is, which directly affects the aircraft's flight characteristics and demands immediate attention from the pilot.