Flight Crew Considerations for Engine Surge

Boeing The purpose of this article is to alert flight crews that commanded engine shutdown may not always be necessary following an engine surge. Depending on whether immediate power reduction has any positive effects, and whether abnormal indications persist, an engine shutdown may not always be necessary.

An engine surge is defined as a power oscillation and/or engine limit exceedance induced by inlet airflow disturbances or internal airflow disturbances inside the engine itself. Some surges are audible, while others may not be audible.

Appropriate flight crew response to engine surge, especially during takeoff, early climb out, and on go-around are especially critical. This article makes observations on some observed undesired flight crew response to engine surge and to suggest desired flight crew response to engine surge encounters.

Undesired Plight Crew Response to Engine Surges

During engine surge encounters, flight crews are exposed to these potentially high risk errors:

  1. RTO attempted after V1 or after Rotation has begun
  2. Shutting down a Good Engine
  3. Non-Normal Procedural Errors
  4. Loss of Airplane Control

Most undesired crew responses occur in the takeoff and climb phase of flight. However, some have occurred on approach and/or go-around phase of flight as well. Common errors include not correctly identifying the affected engine, not selecting the appropriate Checklist, and/or not accomplishing the checklist as written.

Desired Plight Crew Response to Engine Surges

Proper flight crew response to engine surge should be:

An engine surge may be a startling event and expeditious response to the engine surge is important. However, it is equally important to ensure the correct engine is identified before corrective action is taken, especially if the engine is to be shutdown.

Boeing Flight Operations Review 44, 3rd May 2004