ENGINE FAILURE IN ANY AIRCRAFT

Heavy workload in the cockpit restricts the pilot’s ability to communicate with ATC. The crew may take up to 10 minutes to work through the checklist.

In the event of an engine failure, you should expect any of the following:

· Take-off abort

· Deviation from SID

· Intermediate level-off

· Course deviation

· Descent

· Pressurisation problems

· Fuel dumping

· Diversionary or forced landing

· Blocked RWY after landing

Loss of one engine in a multiple engine aircraft reduces power and ability to fly normally:

· propeller driven aircraft may descend to increase speed and adapt cabin pressure

· high altitudes (above FL 200) cannot be maintained

· turns to the side where the engine has failed normally need to be wider

· ACFT will prefer to fly straight and level and in a larger turning radius

Single engine aircraftare often small general aviation aircraft. Flight accident analysis has shown that the main cause of engine failure here is pilot error.

During this critical incident, the pilot should be given every possible support.

Effects of engine failure are:

· loss of electrical power

· loss of navigational systems

· loss of communication systems

· loss of cabin pressure

· loss of avionics systems (e.g. gyro, horizon)

· manual gear extension

ATC

In the event of engine failure, REMEMBER:

· Follow the ASSIST code of practice

· INFORM TWR at landing aerodrome

· Clear RWY according to local instructions

· Keep safety strip clear

· Offer pilot extended final

· Check that towing equipment is on standby

· In case of diversionary or forced landing, record last known position and timefor search and rescue purposes

IF NEEDED:

(This section applies particularly to light aircraft where the pilot may be inexperienced. Commercial pilots will already be familiar with these procedures.)

· Inform pilot of nearest suitable aerodrome

· Provide aerodrome details as soon as possible:

RWY in use; length; surface; elevation; ILS and NAV frequencies;

WX information: wind; visibility; ceiling; QNH

CREW

VIII. ENGINE / APU ON FIRE

Engine fire may be caused by ingestion of debris, electrical problems, engine failure, or birdstrike.

Larger aircraft are fitted with internal fire extinguishing systems which can be operated remotely by the crew. Heating at any point the coils causes the gas to expand, increasing pressure. The detection control unit detects this and triggers the warning light in the cockpit and an alarm sound.