Wiggy...
Do you fly four engine? I might be missing the point, and apologise if I am, but our ETOPS says that for critical fuel planning we take the worst of these three cases:
1. Depressurisation, diversion @ FL100 (or MORA) at LRC,
2. Simultaneous engine failure, depressurisation and diversion at
single engine cruise with APU running,
3. Engine failure, diversion at optimum FL or MSA with APU running.
So case 1 ensures we do have enough fuel for the divert. Plus, as you say, I would establish the off track turn before hitting FLCH.
thermostat: not sure what type you fly, but ours is very clear - descend at MMO / VMO, including full speed brake unless structural integrity is in question. 0.78 /290kts would not cut the mustard.
Firefly: again, don't know about type, but ours are approx 12 mins when tugged by the pax - no point trying to "save the gas" as once they're pulled, they go. It's not a bottle system.
DW.
Last edited by dwshimoda; 4th Feb 2012 at 07:42.