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Can a passenger jet fly with only one engine?
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Aug 4, 2024
While the sight of a flaming engine might send shivers down the spine of any passenger, the reality is that modern twin-engine aircraft are designed to handle engine failure and can fly with one engine and with remarkable safety. This video explains how can a passenger jet fly with only one engine. Also, you can read more about this topic on our website: https://aviationforaviators.com/2024/05/05/aircraft-fly-with-one-engine/
View Video Transcript
0:00
Have you ever wondered if a passenger jet can fly with only one engine
0:05
A twin-engine passenger jet is fully capable of flying with only one engine
0:10
In fact, it can safely continue take-off and land with one engine functioning
0:15
Extensive pilot training ensures that an engine failure during flight is typically manageable
0:21
Pilots follow a fundamental aviation principle, summarized by the acronym Aviate, Navigate, Communicate, to handle any airborne emergency
0:30
This rule prioritizes controlling the aircraft first, ensuring it is stable before adjusting its navigational path
0:37
and communicating with air traffic control. Different engine problems require varied responses from the flight crew, based on the urgency
0:46
For instance, an engine fire necessitates immediate action, starting with verifying control of the aircraft
0:53
Pilots perform memory actions from memory, such as shutting down the engine
0:58
and deploying fire extinguishers, before consulting a checklist for further steps. In less severe cases, like a simple engine failure
1:06
pilots use a checklist to diagnose and potentially restart the engine. Any failure on a twin-engine aircraft mandates landing at the nearest suitable airport
1:15
which is unlikely to be the original destination. Memory actions for severe engine issues involve
1:21
1. Disengaging the autothrottle to stop automatic thrust control 2. Reducing thrust to idle on the affected engine
1:29
3. Turning off the fuel control switch to stop fuel flow 4. Pulling the fire handle switch to disengage the engine systems
1:38
5. Discharging fire bottles if the fire persists All actions are verified by both pilots to avoid errors, ensuring the correct engine is addressed
1:48
Engines are designed to contain fires within their housings, but in extreme cases an emergency landing might be necessary
1:55
Several issues can lead to engine failure or necessitate shutdown. Implications of engine failure involves
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The aircraft will tend to turn away from the operational engine, requiring pilots to use rudder pedals to maintain control
2:08
With one engine, the aircraft cannot maintain cruising altitude and must descend to an altitude manageable by the remaining engine
2:16
Many aircraft systems rely on engine power, so redundancy through the other engine is crucial
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Some systems may become partially unavailable, affecting handling and performance. Engine loss affects landing configurations and requires a longer runway
2:31
Pilots must carefully choose an appropriate airport, considering weather, runway length and aircraft weight
2:38
The most critical time for engine failure is during take-off, from the start of the roll until around 1500 feet
2:45
Pilots undergo extensive training for this scenario, tested every six months in simulators
2:51
If an engine fails before reaching V1 speed, pilots abort the take-off
2:55
After V1, they must continue the take-off, as stopping would not be feasible with the remaining runway length
3:02
A four-engine aircraft, like the Boeing 747 or the Airbus A380, can handle an engine failure more comfortably than a twin-engine jet
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It can continue flying with one engine out and, even with two engines failed
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maintain flight at lower altitudes, especially at reduced weights. Engine failures are rare, thanks to advancements in technology
3:24
Statistics indicate less than one failure per million flights, roughly 25 incidents annually in commercial aviation
3:32
Engines are designed to contain failures and prevent them from spreading, enhancing overall aircraft safety
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In conclusion, while an engine failure in a passenger jet is a serious event
3:44
modern aircraft and rigorous pilot training ensure that such incidents are handled safely and efficiently
3:50
minimising risk to passengers and crew
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