Incapacitated Flight Engineer?
 

Hello all,

In 3 crew planes, are the Captain and/or FO required to be trained as FE's? I ask because I'd like to know what happens if the FE becomes incapacitated. Do the other 2 just stare blankly at each other trying to figure what all those buttons do, or can somebody go back there and set up for an immediate landing?

As far as I remember from 747 Classics, either Capt or Co-pilot sits there for the checks and returns to seat for final approach and landing, having made sure the panel is 'safe'.

747 Captains and FOs receive basic panel training and complete systems training, so they can run the FE panel in an emergency. It is required by US FAA regulations.

Thanks Intruder, it makes sense that they know emergency procedures. Would a captain or fo be able to do a full flight from the panel though? Or is it strictly emergencies?

I've seen quite a few 'incapacitated' FEs but usually in a hotel room, they are the first to go, followed by the captain and finally the FO who is still trying to 'bag' a pretty FA whilst showing her pictures of his kids!

Speaking for myself, I doubt I'd be able to do a full flight to the standards of an FE Proficiency Check. However, with the help of the FHB, I'd be able to accomplish normal and emergency procedures as required, albeit a bit more slowly than I expect of a PFE.

The FAA does not require a "panel check" for pilots, but only requires the training in case of emergencies.

Captains and F/Os normally had a basic working knowledge as one or the other often used to operate the panel whilst the FEng was on crew rest...

What is easier: landing a plane with one pilot incapacitated and FE and the other pilot functional, or with FE incapacitated and two pilots?

Also, can the FE seat be left unoccupied in critical stages of flight like landing or deceleration to subsonic, or is it preferrable to have one pilot move and stay in FE position and only one pilot seat occupied?

--my emphasis

I have had a long look at the FE panel (sadly never in flight) on the lovely lady, and I cannot imagine that seat being unoccupied for very long. :eek:

I've seen a few incapacitated FE's - usually on the nightstop :oh:

F/E Incapacitation
 

Come on folks, getting incapacitated is not the sole province of F/E's. There again, maybe some with a "full wing" were too incapacitated to notice! :D

During a Sim check as F/E on A300-B4 a few years ago I had to "die" on touch down.
Low and behold we had an APU fire on the roll out, so the Capt stopped the A/C and turned round, put his knee between my legs (not too comfortable) and stared at the big red light on the fire handle. After a few seconds I whispered (quite loudly) "Pull it and turn it".
So, memory items complete, job done, free beer in the bar!

:D

I suppose all those fancy buttons on the overhead really can't replace a good FE after all :)