Lovefly® Blog - Engine Failure

Been monitoring the news since United Airlines flight 328 suffered engine problems recently...

Some of the headlines are nothing short of shameful.  For example, one media source wrote, 'United Airlines Boeing suffers catastrophic engine failure.'

I am not denying that the engine images have been quite dramatic.  However, the use of the word 'catastrophic' is too much in my opinion. That word is used to sell papers/encourage downloads. 

The main problem for me is that the headlines lack perspective.  These engines are just so amazing, powerful and reliable.  Look at the picture above. I cannot tell which engine type it is but, just look at the sheer size of it.  These engines are a feat of science which is why incidents like this are so, so rare.

So, what can you do:

1. Stop looking at the images as they just 'feed the fear.'
2. Remember that all pilots are trained to deal with an engine failure and that is exactly what these pilots did.
3. There are so many back up procedures and processes in place.  When something as rare as this happens, we all know what to do.
4. This incident will be investigated. All findings will be public. All findings and recommendations will be shared within the global aviation community.

Paul 

Lovefly Team