Fcom: 787
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is a technical document provided to pilots to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Dreamliner. It is typically structured into two volumes covering systems, limitations, and standard procedures. Core Purpose of the 787 FCOM
Systems Knowledge: Provides a detailed breakdown of the 787's unique architecture, such as its more-electric systems (which replace traditional pneumatics) and composite fuselage.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Outlines the specific steps for every phase of flight, from pre-flight setup to engine shutdown.
Operational Limits: Defines critical thresholds for the aircraft, including maximum weights, speeds, and environmental constraints. Key Technical Concepts from the 787 FCOM
The 787 manual differs significantly from older Boeing manuals due to its advanced technology:
Flight Mode Annunciations (FMA): The FCOM details how the Flight Mode Annunciator shows whether pitch or thrust is currently controlling airspeed.
Electrical Architecture: It describes the Variable Frequency Starter Generators (VFSGs), which allow for engine starting and electrical power generation without a traditional bleed-air system.
Fly-by-Wire Control: Unlike older models, the FCOM explains that the control wheel commands maneuvers rather than direct surface positioning in flight. Where to Find or Study the FCOM
Official manuals are proprietary and provided to airlines by Boeing. However, several resources are used by pilots for study: 787 Guide - App Store
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner!
The Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) for the Boeing 787 is a comprehensive guide that provides critical information for flight crews to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently.
Here's a general overview of what you might find in the FCOM for the 787:
Introduction
- Overview of the 787 aircraft systems and performance characteristics
- Important safety information and guidelines for flight crews
Airplane General
- Aircraft dimensions and performance data
- Operating limitations and restrictions
- Aircraft systems, including:
- Electrical
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Fuel
- Propulsion (engines and nacelles)
Flight Controls
- Description and operation of:
- Flight control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, rudder)
- Flight control systems (mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic)
- Autopilot and flight director systems
Systems
- Detailed descriptions and operations of:
- Electrical systems (power generation, distribution, and conversion)
- Hydraulic systems (system architecture, components, and operation)
- Pneumatic systems (air conditioning, pressurization, and oxygen)
- Fuel systems (fuel tanks, pumps, and management)
- Propulsion systems (engine operation, start, and control)
Performance
- Performance data and charts for:
- Takeoff and landing
- Climb and cruise
- Descent and approach
- Go-around and missed approach
Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
- Procedures for handling:
- System failures (e.g., electrical, hydraulic, or engine failures)
- Aircraft malfunctions (e.g., pressurization, smoke, or fire)
- Emergency situations (e.g., engine failure, system failure, or loss of pressurization)
Crew Alerting System (CAS)
- Description and operation of the CAS, which provides alerts and advisories to the flight crew
Automation and Avionics
- Description and operation of:
- Autopilot and flight director systems
- Flight management computer (FMC) and navigation systems
- Communication and data link systems
The FCOM for the 787 is a detailed document that provides critical information for safe and efficient operation of the aircraft. This overview just scratches the surface of what's included. Do you have a specific question about the 787 FCOM or a particular system?
Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the essential technical reference for pilots, serving as the definitive guide for safe and efficient aircraft operation. It is a living document frequently updated to reflect the latest performance data and regulatory changes. Structure of the 787 FCOM
The manual is typically organized into several core volumes: Part 1: Airplanes General
– Provides a systems overview, aircraft dimensions, and foundational knowledge of the Dreamliner's unique composite airframe and electrical systems. Part 2: Normal Procedures
– Contains step-by-step guides for routine flight phases, including pre-flight, engine start, and automated systems management like Autoland. Part 3: Non-Normal Procedures
– The most critical section for safety, detailing responses to emergencies such as engine failures or severe weather encounters. Chapter 10: Limitations
– Defines hard operational limits, such as maximum operating altitude ( feet) and runway slope limits ( Preparing for Your Type Rating
If you are starting a 787 course, the following steps are recommended to master the FCOM content: Secure Official Manuals Early
: Obtain digital copies from your airline as soon as possible to begin familiarizing yourself with the layout and technical language. Supplement with Study Guides : Tools like the 787 fcom
can help translate dry technical text into more digestible language without replacing the official manual. Focus on Memory Items
: Prioritize memorizing non-normal procedures found in Part 3, as these must be executed flawlessly under pressure. Practice via Flight Simulation
: For enthusiast or initial familiarization, checklists derived from the FCOM are available on platforms like FlightSim.to to help reinforce procedural flows. specific system
, such as the electrical architecture or flight deck displays, from the manual? 787 Type Rating preparation
Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM): A Comprehensive Guide
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is a critical document that provides flight crews with essential information to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently. As a vital resource for pilots, the FCOM outlines the procedures and guidelines for normal and abnormal operations, ensuring that crews are equipped to handle various scenarios that may arise during flight.
Overview of the 787 FCOM
The 787 FCOM is a comprehensive manual that covers all aspects of flight crew operations, including:
- Introduction: Provides an overview of the 787 aircraft, its systems, and the FCOM's purpose.
- Normal Procedures: Outlines standard operating procedures for normal flights, including pre-flight, takeoff, cruise, and landing phases.
- Abnormal Procedures: Describes procedures for handling abnormal situations, such as system failures, malfunctions, or unexpected events.
- Emergency Procedures: Details emergency procedures for situations like engine failure, decompression, or fire.
- Aircraft Systems: Provides detailed information on the 787's systems, including electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems.
Key Features of the 787 FCOM
The 787 FCOM is designed to be a user-friendly and accessible resource for flight crews. Some of its key features include:
- Clear and concise language: The manual uses straightforward language to facilitate easy understanding.
- Comprehensive checklists: Checklists are provided to help crews ensure that all necessary procedures are completed.
- Detailed illustrations: The FCOM includes diagrams, charts, and pictures to aid in understanding complex systems and procedures.
- Regular updates: The manual is regularly updated to reflect changes in aircraft systems, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Importance of the 787 FCOM
The 787 FCOM plays a vital role in ensuring the safe operation of the Boeing 787 aircraft. By providing flight crews with a comprehensive guide to normal and abnormal procedures, the FCOM helps to:
- Enhance safety: By following established procedures, crews can minimize risks and ensure a safe flight.
- Improve efficiency: The FCOM streamlines operations, reducing the need for improvisation and minimizing delays.
- Support regulatory compliance: The manual helps airlines comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Best Practices for Using the 787 FCOM
To maximize the effectiveness of the 787 FCOM, flight crews should: The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM)
- Familiarize themselves with the manual: Crews should thoroughly review the FCOM to understand its contents and procedures.
- Use the manual as a reference: The FCOM should be used as a reference guide during pre-flight preparation, in-flight, and during abnormal situations.
- Stay up-to-date with updates: Crews should ensure they have the latest version of the FCOM and are aware of any updates or changes.
Conclusion
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is an essential resource for flight crews operating the 787 aircraft. By providing a comprehensive guide to normal and abnormal procedures, the FCOM enhances safety, improves efficiency, and supports regulatory compliance. By following best practices for using the FCOM, flight crews can ensure a safe and successful flight.
This post provides a professional overview and study guide for the Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM)
, the primary technical guide used by pilots to operate the Dreamliner safely and efficiently. Overview of the 787 FCOM
The FCOM is a bridge between the aircraft's complex digital systems and the flight crew. Unlike older manuals, the 787 FCOM reflects the aircraft’s "more electric" architecture and composite construction. Standardization : Ensures uniform procedures across global operations. Dynamic Content
: Periodically updated to include technological upgrades and lessons learned from worldwide service.
: Typically organized by systems (e.g., Electrics, Hydraulics) and operational phases (e.g., Preflight, Takeoff, Landing). Recommended Study Order
Because the FCOM is alphabetically organized rather than pedagogical, instructors often recommend the following sequence for new pilots:
: Since nearly everything on the 787 is electrical, this is the essential foundation. Hydraulics
: Building on the electrics to understand flight control power. Limitations (L.10.1) : Crucial for memorizing operational envelopes. Quick Technical Reference (L.10.1) 787 FCOM Limitation Max Operating Altitude 43,100 feet pressure altitude Max Takeoff/Landing Altitude 14,000 feet pressure altitude Runway Slope Limits Max Tailwind (TO/LDG) Severe Turbulence Speed ( Key Operational Procedures 787 Beginner Tutorial with a Real 787 Pilot!
Part 5: How Pilots Study the 787 FCOM (Recurrent Training)
For a pilot upgrading from the 737 or A320 to the 787, the FCOM becomes a 3,000+ page digital document. Operators typically use these study methods:
Common FCOM Traps on the Written Exam
- Question: "What happens to the cabin pressure if both CACs fail?"
- Trap answer: "Depressurization."
- FCOM Answer: "The outflow valve modulates automatically; the cabin will slowly climb to 10,000 ft. You have 30 minutes."
- Question: "Can you use engine anti-ice on the ground?"
- FCOM Answer: "Yes, but it automatically switches off below 70% N1 to protect the electric starter/generator."
Part 1: What is the 787 FCOM? (And Why It’s Unique)
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the official Boeing document approved by regulatory bodies (FAA, EASA, etc.) that dictates the standard operating procedures (SOPs), limitations, and systems descriptions for the Dreamliner family (787-8, 787-9, and 787-10).
Limitations (Lim)
The unchanging rules. For the 787, this includes the critical "Flap Load Relief" speeds (e.g., Flaps 5 max speed), maximum altitude for APU operation (39,000 feet for the 787), and battery temperature limits (following the 787 battery incidents of 2013).
Part 6: How to Study the 787 FCOM Effectively
If you are enrolled in a 787 type rating (Delta, United, ANA, BA, etc.), brute-force reading the 787 FCOM will fail you. You need a strategy. Overview of the 787 aircraft systems and performance
Inside the 787 FCOM: The "Holy Book" for Dreamliner Pilots
For pilots transitioning to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the first encounter with the FCOM is both familiar and revolutionary. While the structure follows Boeing’s standard philosophy (initiated by the 777), the content reflects a paradigm shift in how pilots interact with aircraft systems.
Unlike legacy aircraft where pilots managed individual pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical sources, the 787 FCOM teaches a "systems management" philosophy where the crew tells the aircraft what to do, and the aircraft figures out how.