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.

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]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Handling an engine failure on a Boeing 777 involves managing significant asymmetric thrust with strong hydraulic rudder pressure, electronic flight controls, and pilot input following the "dead foot, dead engine" procedure.
  • A key feature aiding this is the Thrust Asymmetry Compensation (TAC) system.
  • TAC automatically applies rudder pressure when differential engine thrust exceeds 10%, preventing rolling while still allowing the pilot to sense and provide correct input, particularly at low speeds.
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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.

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.

At low speed during the takeoff phase, a lot of foot pressure would be required if it weren’t for the 777’s bonus system of TAC (Thrust Asymmetry Compensation). After sensing differential engine thrust of greater than 10 percent, the TAC applies enough rudder pressure to keep the airplane from rolling while allowing the pilot to sense the correct input, adding just enough of his own pressure

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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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