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:

  • An engine failure on a Boeing 777 creates significant asymmetric thrust that pilots counter by applying rudder pressure, following the "Dead foot, dead engine" principle.
  • The aircraft is equipped with hydraulic rudder pressure and an electronic flight control system to assist in handling the imbalance.
  • A "bonus system" called Thrust Asymmetry Compensation (TAC) automatically applies rudder pressure when sensing differential thrust over 10 percent, aiding the pilot in maintaining control, especially at low speeds 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.

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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