Originally Posted by
Brick
All Boeing 737 models do not have fuel dump capability. They can land at their maximum takeoff weight.
I don't know about it circling for an hour though. With one engine out on a 2 engine aircraft, you land as soon as possible...Even if the aircraft is at or near its maximum weight. You don't spend time on one engine circling around just to burn off a little bit of fuel prior to landing.
Very common to burn off fuel. A plane is designed after all to fly on one engine. It just couldn't continue to destination on one because of safety issue. You don't want to run the risk of the final working engine cutting out. Finally, all planes frequently take off weighing more then what they can land at. You don't land over MLW unless you have to. In this case while needed to land, there was nothing that required them to land at that very moment. Plus burning off fuel means there's less risk of fire during landing.