Use of MCT on A320 family during CLIMB
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wanderlust
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any engine/aircraft manufacturer would define MCT as that.
Jet engine basics by Boeing on P2 page 20
Boeing jet transport performance methods states following:
Jet engine basics by Boeing on P2 page 20
This is special thrust rating, sometimes referred to as MCT or CON. It is intended to only be used only in emergency, but has no limitation.
For emergency purposes such as driftdown following an engine failure in cruise, there is a specific thrust rating called Maximum Continuous Thrust, or MCT
Last edited by vilas; 16th Apr 2017 at 09:04.
I have to say I find this quite amusing.
MCT is the maximum thrust certified for continuous use. There is not certification problem with its use, there is however a ware issue, as there is with all engine use.
Airbus has its advice spot on in my opinion. Use it only for safe flight. If it's not required for safe flight, then why are you using it? However, "safe flight" is open to interpretation. Would safe flight mean meeting an ATC restriction? How about if not meeting that ATC restriction would take you outside controlled airspace?
So my advice is to use it if you feel you need it, but use it sparingly. It has a cost, but doesn't everything!
MCT is the maximum thrust certified for continuous use. There is not certification problem with its use, there is however a ware issue, as there is with all engine use.
Airbus has its advice spot on in my opinion. Use it only for safe flight. If it's not required for safe flight, then why are you using it? However, "safe flight" is open to interpretation. Would safe flight mean meeting an ATC restriction? How about if not meeting that ATC restriction would take you outside controlled airspace?
So my advice is to use it if you feel you need it, but use it sparingly. It has a cost, but doesn't everything!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Wingham NSW Australia
Age: 83
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Maximum Continuous". This rating is the maximum thrust certified for continuous use. For the purpose of P & W service policy coverage and prolonging engine life this rating should be used, at the pilot's discretion, only when required to ensure safe flight. NOTHING ABOUT BEING RESTRICTED TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
"Maximum Climb" Maximum Climb thrust is the maximum thrust approved for NORMAL climb. On some engines, Maximum Continuous and Maximum Climb thrust ARE THE SAME.
Obviously engine life will be enhanced by using the least amount of thrust required to achieve the performance required to safely operate the aircraft. As I have previously stated the parameters which impact most on engine life are
RPM and EGT. The amount of time these parameters are at a certain value determines what effect they have on the life of the engine. Most operators will stipulate permissable de-rates for take-off thrust and reduced thrust climbs, to extend overall engine life, ACCEPTING THE ADDITIONAL FUEL BURN INHERENT IN REDUCED CLIMB THRUST SETTINGS WITH THE CONSEQUENT LONGER TIME TO CLIMB.
Last edited by Old Fella; 16th Apr 2017 at 11:13.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wanderlust
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For the purpose of PW service policy coverage and prolonging engine life this rating should be used, at the pilot's discretion, only when required to ensure safe flight. NOTHING ABOUT BEING RESTRICTED TO EMERGENCY SITUATION
But using MCT for 'standard' climbs will cause more engine wear and shorter on-wing life. Companys might be unwittingly spending a lot more £ thousands on engine changes and rebuilds than if MCT were not used.
On the A330, we used 2 derated climb power settings which were something like 8% and 13% less than CLB power to reduce engine wear.
On the A330, we used 2 derated climb power settings which were something like 8% and 13% less than CLB power to reduce engine wear.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Wingham NSW Australia
Age: 83
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think anyone, by now, really believes that using MCT as a matter of course will not reduce engine life. Too many however seem to think there is a time limit on the use of MCT. Engine manufacturers certify an engine to operate within certain parameters. They have ascertained that MCT does not cause "damage" to the engine and therefore do not impose any time constraint on its use. However, they do acknowledge that it is preferable to use lesser thrust settings, where MCT is not required to sustain safe flight, to extend engine life beyond what they believe to be the reasonable design life of the engine. Don't really think there is much more to said on this matter.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: IRS NAV ONLY
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So, after 3 pages of discussion on the legality and technicality of the use of MCT in two engine operation, there is something left to be discussed.
WHY would one need to use the MCT on the regular basis in normal operations anyway?
WHY would one need to use the MCT on the regular basis in normal operations anyway?
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Wingham NSW Australia
Age: 83
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MCT
Until the "bean counters" started making the rules and automation of just about everything to do with flying an aircraft along with with the introduction of all these variables such as De-rates, Flex Thrust, Climb 1 and Climb 2 etc etc pilots either set, or called for, the power setting they wanted. They also knew a lot about the aircraft as a whole and with few exceptions operated the aircraft as if they owned it, thus treating it with care. Most could quote operating limits off the top of their head. It seems these days everything is so automated that the knowledge of how and why things work is not as deep as it once was. It is called progress I know. Just not convinced, yet.
The bean counters also pay our wages, and they need money to do that......
Last edited by Uplinker; 21st Apr 2017 at 12:38. Reason: typo
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: I wouldn't know.
Posts: 4,497
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To climb faster or steeper for whatever reason.
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: My views - Not my employer!
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Obviously relevant to my operator only - (When I was on it!) We had a note from the Tech team saying we were not to use MCT in normal ops. The background is related to engine wear and contracts (hence previous comment)
Have to say, in 7 years flying I never needed MCT. I, like Denti used unable or asked kindly for a different routing if required.
Have to say, in 7 years flying I never needed MCT. I, like Denti used unable or asked kindly for a different routing if required.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Utopia
Age: 46
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks to all my fellow sky buddies for their valuable inputs. I have found out that the captain was not really aware of what the book had to say. Usually, he doesn't deviate from the book. I guess, in this case, he overlooked that single para under PER-THR-MCT chapter.
Only half a speed-brake
Concurring with the above, the AFM has no limitation on MCT thrust, FCOM does. So the applicability of the restriction is clear.
Join Date: May 2003
Location: The Roman Empire
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Too many wannabees Artists out there...
Using MCT is NOT the way to cope with restrictions or boredom.
Use only in case it would be unsafe not to use it. Engine failure, of course.
Other reasons like sudden need to climb over CB, but you will have to explain...
Routinely using it as a trick for some sort of benefit is unthinkable and unacceptable!
Using MCT is NOT the way to cope with restrictions or boredom.
Use only in case it would be unsafe not to use it. Engine failure, of course.
Other reasons like sudden need to climb over CB, but you will have to explain...
Routinely using it as a trick for some sort of benefit is unthinkable and unacceptable!
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Village of Santo Poco
Posts: 869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wanderlust
Posts: 3,405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Other reasons like sudden need to climb over CB, but you will have to explain...
