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Mid-Atlantic Diversion

777 Simulator
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A transatlantic flight crew experiences a critical fuel leak from the right engine, leading them to shut it down mid-flight over the North Atlantic.
  • The captain expertly executes extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) emergency procedures, including selecting Keflavik as the alternate airport and initiating a 15-mile offset from the original track.
  • Complex decisions were made to ensure a safe single-engine landing, such as performing a fuel dump to reduce landing weight for slippery runway conditions and adjusting flap settings for a slower approach speed.
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(June 2011) The captain had completed an entry of the navigation log after passing the previous oceanic waypoint. The FMS, utilizing a series of inertial navigation systems along with two GPS receivers, was tracking the assigned course to an accuracy that was no wider than the cockpit of the 777. The digital display of the altitude pointer indicated that the airplane had fluctuated no more than five feet. The ATC page of the comm screen verified that Shanwick Oceanic had automatically received the position report. No voice calls were required. Life was good.

Well … right up until the moment that the EICAS (engine instrument and crew alerting system) screen annunciated an amber message: “fuel imbalance.”

Les Abend

Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.

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