On 5 Sep, 15:27, "Martin Rowley"
wrote:
it seems to a layman that this would have cropped up before - any tales from your experience on these things?

I never had any problems. Minimum outside temperatures were specified
(I can't recall the numbers now - ten years ago since I last flew.)
Although I did fly in the cold stratosphere, I was mainly on short
haul flights with rarely more than 1.30 hours in those temperatures

The report is quite technical but basically the presumption is that
blocks of ice formed between the fuel tanks and the high pressure
pumps that feed the actual engines. There is seemingly no direct
evidence for that scenario, but simulations of blockages in the
appropriate part of the fuel lines produced exactly the symptoms
experienced on that flight. The engine automatics were trying to
supply the correct fuel, namely increased fuel flow, then it cut back
as the blockage prevented the right amount, increased again and
finally the fuel control system could no longer cope; the engines were
starved although they didn't actually cut out, merely didn't give
enough power.

It is probable that in the longer term, fuel systems in later aircraft
models will have to be redesigned (with more line heaters, etc) but in
the short term, existing aircraft might simply have to operate under
more restrictive conditions, ie limited duration in extreme cold.

One throwaway comment in the report is that this particular problem
might not be confined to Boeing 777s but many types could be
vulnerable. It wouldn't stop me flying with a reputable carrier
(indeed, I'm off to Malta with BA at the end of October). But I might
be more concerned about flying with some operators. No names
mentioned but the grapevine suggests it's only a matter of time.......

Jack