Aviation

[gtb1943]

Thanks. I would still wait until we get concrete evidence to start speculating. The main theory I have seen floated is that it could be an inadvertent lower altitude set in the flight guidance, which would cause the auto throttle to go to idle, and would cause a lot of confusion. Deployment of the RAT would negate that theory.

Is it standard procedure to let the computer control take off?

 

[gtb1943]

I can't speak to the 787, but in the other airliners I have flown, the batteries alone can sustain flight for 15-30 minutes, with very limited systems. The systems shed to lower the load on the batteries to provide just the bear essentials. Generally, if you have time, you will use the batteries to start the APU, which will give you electrical power, like Sully did.

Each engine has a generator, the APU has a generator, the RAT is a generator, and you have the ship batteries.

what kind of APU do they have?

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Thanks. I would still wait until we get concrete evidence to start speculating. The main theory I have seen floated is that it could be an inadvertent lower altitude set in the flight guidance, which would cause the auto throttle to go to idle, and would cause a lot of confusion. Deployment of the RAT would negate that theory.

Apparently they have audio of one of the pilot’s mayday call with the tower. The pilot noted “no thrust…no power…” I’m sure info will start trickling out the farther the investigation goes on.

 

[gtb1943]

no thrust
no power

was it the aircraft or the pilots or maybe a combination?

RIP

 

[CyberB0b]

Is it standard procedure to let the computer control take off?

No airliner can do an auto takeoff, but it is standard to use the flight guidance for all phases of flight. You can always turn it off if it messes up, but completely standard.

what kind of APU do they have?

Google says APS5000 APU from Pratt. APU is a tiny jet engine that produces power and bleed air. The 787 is different than all other airliners because it doesn't use bleed air to pressurize the cabin, so it might just produce electricity. I don't know much about the 787.