EASA SIB No.: 2017-20
Safety Information Bulletin
Operations
SIB No.: 2017-20
Issued: 27 November 2017
Subject: Slow Rotation Take-off
Ref. Publications:
None.
Applicability:
Operators of 4-engine wide-body aeroplanes, approved training organisations (ATOs) providing
relevant flight training, and their competent authorities.
Description:
The intent of this SIB is to raise awareness about a safety issue identified during an on-going
investigation of a serious incident involving a 4-engine wide-body aeroplane. In this event, the
aeroplane took-off from a limitative runway, near its maximum performance weight. The
aeroplane needed a very long take-off run and, when passing the opposite runway threshold, was
still below the minimum required height. The analysis of preliminary information gathered by the
investigating authority, in cooperation with the affected operator and manufacturer, showed that
slow aeroplane rotation rate was a main contributing factor to the event.
The preliminary findings of the investigation also highlighted that similar events had occurred at
the same airport, involving another 4-engine wide-body aeroplane operator, and that slow
rotation rates were applied in a significant number of take-offs.
Furthermore, the Agency identified one more event that occurred at another airport with a
limitative runway, affecting a different type 4-engine wide-body aeroplane. As a consequence,
pending the outcome of the full investigation, the Agency deems it appropriate to promptly
address the issue of slow rotation rate on take-off in the abovementioned operational context.
Certification Aspects: Take-off performance for large transport aeroplanes is certified against
CS-25 standards, which include various requirements regarding the parameters affecting take-off.
During certification, take-off distances are established carrying out the manufacturer’s
recommended take-off procedure, which is described in the operational documentation. The
application of the manufacturer take-off technique is fundamental to ensure that the required
take-off performance is achieved (e.g. a take-off path with adequate clearance from obstacles).
Recommendation(s):
The Agency recommends operators of 4-engine wide-body aeroplanes, and ATOs providing
relevant flight training, to assess whether their operating procedures may be affected by the
identified safety issue. If so, they should apply their hazard identification and risk management
processes, as follows:
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 1 of 2
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An agency of the European Union
EASA SIB No.: 2017-20
identify whether slow rotation rate on take-off is a hazard in their operation (e.g. through the
analysis of FDM, occurrence reports, training & checking activities);
if a hazard is identified, assess the associated risks, in particular on airports with limitative
runways; and
if these risks are assessed as not acceptable, establish controls to mitigate the risks to an
acceptable level. These controls may include the provision of ad-hoc training on rotation
techniques based on aeroplane manufacturer’s operational documentation. The unintended
introduction of additional risks (e.g. tail strikes) should also be considered when analysing
possible mitigating measures; the involvement of the manufacturer may be useful in
determining such measures.
The Agency also recommends the relevant competent authorities to consider this SIB as part of
the continuing oversight of applicable operators and ATOs.
The Agency will consider the need for additional actions that may be triggered from any further
lesson learnt in the course of the investigation or the thorough analysis of the safety issue.
At this time, the safety concern described in this SIB does not warrant the issuance of an
operational directive under Regulation (EU) 965/2012, Annex II, ARO.GEN.135(c).
Contact(s):
For further information contact the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate.
E-mail:
[email protected].
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 2 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union
Dear Madam/Sir,
Please find attached hereto an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) which has already been posted on
our web site and can be viewed at https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2017-20 .
EASA ADs and other Safety Publications are available online at http://ad.easa.europa.eu
Safety Information Section Email:
[email protected]
EASA Website
(Attachment is in Acrobat PDF format)
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