logo3_etops.jpg (22654 octets)

AIRWORTHINESS IS PARTICULARLY PROBLEMATIC

 

"The proponents of this change rely heavily on the technical merits of the B777....We do point out that two of the engine models currently used on the B777 have already been the subject of FAA Airworthiness Directives mandating the redesign and replacement of important subassemblies because of in service failures....No one involved in the design or certification of B777 aircraft equipped with these engines for ETOPS...anticipated these problems. Studies are often different than actual experience...."

(Allied Pilots Association, in Air Safety Week, jun.21, 1999)

PARAMETERS IN THE RISK MODEL

  North Atlantic North Pacific Polar routes South Pacific
Length of ETOPS sector (still air) <150 min >400 min >540 min >600 min
Mean Diversion Time (Still air) <60 min <130 min <110 min <300 min
Wind & temperature  impact on the diversion time <15 min <30 min <30 min <45 min
Mean time to next alternate <18 min <120 min <120 min NA

It's time to consider actual forecast winds rather than assuming "still-air" conditions and,  time-limited aircraft systems should be required to function throughout maximum forecast diversion times as well. Furthermore : on the remaining engine.

  • A very long flight increases risks :

point_3.gif (88 octets) Longer mean diversion time
point_3.gif (88 octets) Wind impact on the real diversion time
point_3.gif (88 octets) No readable data on the real "In Flight Shut Down" at maximum Continuous thrust
point_3.gif (88 octets) No tests yet of the effect of severe icing or rain at single-engine altitudes.

  • A single engine  isn't sufficient to generate warmth
point_3.gif (88 octets)After loosing one engine, the ability to generate warm cabine air depends on the remaining engine

point_3.gif (88 octets) No bleed air means that cabin temperatures will drop to outside temperature. Over the poles it can reach -75°F...

moteur777.gif (17314 octets)

 

 

Home | Background Notes | News &Headlines | Technical matters  |
Discussions | Usefull Links | Accidents statistics