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Thread: Fuel Leak NG
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Old 8th February 2006 | 15:36
  #25 (permalink)  
jonny dangerous
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 114
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From: FL 410
Good points Streamline. My quandary started initially doing the post-mortem on a sim session. That got me looking in detail at the Engine Fuel Leak checklist. Of course famialiarity with all NNC checklists would better enable us all to handle an airborne malfunction, but with this NNC it would seem especially prudent to do so.

In my opinion, this particular NNC leads a little to be desired. It might lead to a little confusion when faced with a leak. I think a proviso should be included at the start of the checklist to

"assume that any fuel leak is an engine fuel leak, and carry out the procedures described below. Further troubleshooting may lead to the diagnosis of a fuel tank leak, but the procedures described below, should, as a minimum, enable the aircraft to safely divert to a suitable aerodrome."

Or something like that.

Once diversion underway, then use the sound judgement and experience as appropriate.

Still really curious as how the Airbus ECAM/QRH handles the scenario.


POST SCRIPT: just found this Airbus presentation on fuel leaks:
http://www.pilotosdeiberia.com/areat...3fuel_leak.htm


From that link, an excerpt:

3.2.4. Hole in wing or center tank

The ideal course of action would be to firstly use the fuel from the leaking tank to feed all engines. Thus increasing the amount of available fuel. However, it is highly unlikely that the crew will be able to confirm the cause of the leak. Also, the procedure would be relatively complex. As this type of failure is rare, the procedure to be followed is to select all the pumps off. Once the leaking tank is depleted, the associated engine will flame out.


Last edited by jonny dangerous; 8th February 2006 at 16:11.
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