How Is an Engine Failure Handled on a Boeing 777?

Considering that a Boeing 777-300 with GE 90-115 engines has a thrust rating of 115,000 pounds per side, the resulting asymmetric thrust from a failure is a force to be reckoned with.

Les Abend

Thursday, February 09, 2023 at 12:48 PM ET

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The reaction of a 777 pilot should be to recite the iconic verbiage of, “Dead foot, dead engine,” and then apply foot pressure to the appropriate rudder pedal. [Courtesy: Boeing]

Key Takeaways:

Handling an engine failure on a Boeing 777 requires immediate pilot rudder input to counter significant asymmetric thrust from its powerful engines.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced systems like hydraulic rudder pressure, an electronic flight control system, and Thrust Asymmetry Compensation (TAC), which automatically applies rudder when differential thrust exceeds 10% to prevent rolling and assist pilot control, especially during takeoff.

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QUESTION: How is an engine failure handled on a Boeing 777?

Answer: Considering that a Boeing 777-300 with GE 90-115 engines has a thrust rating of 115,000 pounds per side, the resulting asymmetric thrust from a failure is a force to be reckoned with. Granted, 3,000 psi of hydraulic pressure to the rudder and an electronic flight control system helps a lot. But there’s a bit more to it.

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Like any twin-engine airplane, the reaction of a 777 pilot should be to recite the iconic verbiage of, “Dead foot, dead engine,” and then apply foot pressure to the appropriate rudder pedal.