PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Airbus 380 loses engine, goes 5000 miles
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Old 11th Nov 2013, 16:45
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Jefferson Airplane
 
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Aah, the hysterical chattering of the ignorant masses.

This is why aircraft are built with four engines. There is absolutely nothing unsafe about continuing on three engines. The big twins are certified to 207 minutes and more on ONE engine.

Consider the practicalities of a diversion at the time of the engine failure which, I believe, occurred about two hours after take-off:

1. A significant amount of fuel would have to be jettisoned
2. Hotel accommodation for 20+ crew and 450-500 passengers
3. Nothing less than a 24 -36 hour delay before replacement components could be sourced, shipped and installed

By continuing the flight, the company has 12 hours to formulate a recovery plan and position a replacement aircraft at the en-route alternate (in this case Kuwait).

The A380 completes a dramatic three-engine approach, lands and pax and crew transfer to the waiting aircraft and the mission is completed with minimum delay.

And in absolute safely.

Well done to the four professionals up front.
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