The Master's Medal
Awarded to any person in aviation, at any time, for an act or achievement in aviation considered worthy of the Medal, as soon as the facts of the event are clear.
CAPTAIN MICHAEL FAIRHURST & SENIOR FIRST OFFICER JAMES BROWN
Citation:
On 11 May 2009, during a normal Boeing 747-400 departure from Johannesburg, with the First Officer as the handling pilot, the Number 3 engine Thrust Reverser 'In Transit' indication appeared at 125 knots followed by the Number 2 engine Thrust Reverser 'In Transit' indication at 160 knots. There was no deployment of thrust reverse and the 'In Transit' indication is not easily visible and was not seen by the crew who were concentrating on the take-off.
At this point the Group A sections of the leading edge flaps, which are a significant proportion of the leading edge high lift devices, retracted as they are designed to do when reverse thrust is selected on landing. Unaware of the changed leading edge configuration, the First Officer rotated the aircraft and the crew were immediately confronted with significant airframe buffet and the stick shaker activating. The crew had no idea why the aircraft had apparently entered a stall or pre-stall regime. As they were dealing with the emergency the Group A section of leading edge flaps started to re-deploy shortly after the aircraft became airborne.
The First Officer flew an attitude that prevented the aircraft stalling but also prevented contact with the ground despite being unable to read the instruments clearly due to the buffet. The Captain calmly supported the First officer by passing on critical information such as speed and aircraft height above the ground. He also raised the landing gear. The handling difficulties were initially made worse by the increase in drag created by the opening of the landing gear doors during the retraction process and the initial movements of the leading edge flaps as they started to redeploy. After the leading edge flaps had re-extended (taking 23 seconds) the aircraft performance returned to normal and the handling aspects of the event were over.
The crew still had to deal with an unknown set of circumstances. They decided to return to Johannesburg and planned for two, three and four engine approaches given the unknown nature of the fault. They also ensured that customers and the cabin crew were kept informed and remained calm and relaxed throughout.
Captain Michael Fairhurst and Senior First Officer James Brown displayed exemplary skill and professionalism while dealing with this emergency that occurred at a critical phase of flight. Both members of the flight crew played a significant role in recovering the aircraft safely from the very hazardous situation they were confronted with. Their actions undoubtedly saved the aircraft, and countless possible injuries or fatalities to those onboard, and they are accordingly awarded the Master’s Medal.
The Medals were awarded to the pilots some time ago and formally presented at the Guild's annual 'Trophies and Awards Banquet' at the London Guildhall at the end of last month.
GAPAN - The Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators
Patron: HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Grand Master: HRH The Prince Andrew, Duke of York
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