Pentac
13th Aug 2001, 06:04
I would like to ask a ETOPS/ER questions in the expanded context of the 'total package' i.e. Engine, Airframe, Communication, Navigation, Human Factors, and so on.
Let me try and cut to the chase by offering up the 'angle' I am working towards: I am trying to determine the importance of having aeronautical charts onboard an ETOPS aircraft operating an ER route.
I think one would agree that an engine shutdown, and only an engine shutdown, would be the 'best of the worst' things that could go wrong in an ETOPS/ER scenario. However, their are 'probabilities' for other system failures to occur, as a direct or indirect result of the failure event. These 'other' failures can significantly add to the challenge already being experienced by the crew.
Back to the question with an direct example: an ETOP twin on a North Atlantic route experiences a single engine failure and loss of the essential bus power or at least the loss of the primary navigation system. Radio communication is sparse, maybe the HF propagation is poor, and so on. The aircraft isn't in immediate flight danger but they have to make their diversion as soon as possible. How important are the paper charts at this point?
Maybe not the best example, but a probable one? Maybe someone has a better example. Again my interest is in determining the importance of the paper charts. I know that nowadays most people just fly the FMS, but what if you don't have it as part of a cascade failure?
Any insight into this would be most appreciated.
Let me try and cut to the chase by offering up the 'angle' I am working towards: I am trying to determine the importance of having aeronautical charts onboard an ETOPS aircraft operating an ER route.
I think one would agree that an engine shutdown, and only an engine shutdown, would be the 'best of the worst' things that could go wrong in an ETOPS/ER scenario. However, their are 'probabilities' for other system failures to occur, as a direct or indirect result of the failure event. These 'other' failures can significantly add to the challenge already being experienced by the crew.
Back to the question with an direct example: an ETOP twin on a North Atlantic route experiences a single engine failure and loss of the essential bus power or at least the loss of the primary navigation system. Radio communication is sparse, maybe the HF propagation is poor, and so on. The aircraft isn't in immediate flight danger but they have to make their diversion as soon as possible. How important are the paper charts at this point?
Maybe not the best example, but a probable one? Maybe someone has a better example. Again my interest is in determining the importance of the paper charts. I know that nowadays most people just fly the FMS, but what if you don't have it as part of a cascade failure?
Any insight into this would be most appreciated.