MD-11 inflight engine problem
I'm looking for some insight into a situation which took place today. One MD-11 flying ZRH-LAX notified French ATC shortly after take off he (actually she) was having an engine problem, but was going to continue to LAX. Said engine was the one in the tail. a/c then climbed to FL300 with Maastricht UAC, only to request diverson back to ZRH after about 30'. My question: Is it common practise to continue on a 9H+ flight over the ocean in a 3 engined plane if you already know from about 15' after take off something is wrong with the nr 2 engine? We were all quite puzzled about it.