Capt Claret. Single engine TAS is 380kts. The QRH checklist for servere engine damage is about 1 and a half pages. It realy doesnt take that long to complete.
From previous experience Id reckon that Qantas Launy had most likely gone home. This is the last departure out of Launy for the day.
Communications with "Ops" in Melbourne arent available to around 130 nm ML. If the aircraft was lower, this distance will obviously be closer. As I have stated before, Id reckon that the service level available at Launy would be a large consideration. Id be hesitant to return to an MBZ with services driving in from town, and perform a single engine circling approach into a Black hole.
Heading to an airport such as ML with 24/7 services and straight in approaches on the ILS is a very sound option.
The certification of these aircraft require them to be able to fly to a SUITABLE airport within 1 hour single engine TAS distance. Ie, 380 nm. This debate about continuing or returning realy isnt valid considering the certification process involved with high capacity RPT aircraft.
I feel the more valid question is, why the hell do we have to operate jet airliners into and out of non controlled airports. Considering how much federal funding goes into touchy feely projects, couldnt we at least make sure ATC services are available at major airports. No matter what time of day it is?
Cost cutting?
languishing in the top tax bracket. DM