FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Irrational: I avoid 2-engine 777 transpacific
Old Nov 1, 2006 | 10:16 pm
  #34  
SAT Lawyer
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Programs: UA Gold MM; AA Gold MM; WN A-List; IHG Diamond Ambassador; Marriott Gold; Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 24,564
Originally Posted by globetrekker84
Here's a little bit of reading that you might find enlightening . . .
Add to your list the most recent twin engine failure: Air Transat #236, which made a deadstick landing in the Azores on August 24, 2001. Exceptional flying to get the bird safely back on the ground; not so exceptional decision making in cross-feeding fuel into the leaking engine; and shockingly incompetent maintenance precipitating the near catastrophe in the first place.

I personally have no problem with transoceanic flights on airplanes equipped with two engines, although I would be rather uncomfortable to find myself on board such an aircraft with both engines failing over the middle of a large body of water.

Remember that increasing the number of engines increases the statistical likelihood of one engine failing. Moreover, it is my understanding that a dual engine failure on a four engine Boeing 747 with a passenger and cargo load of any significance would not permit the aircraft to retain its altitude.
SAT Lawyer is offline