The Boeing 787 app

Content updates in 2021

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:02:06 GMT

A list of recent updates are found in the app, at the bottom of the welcome page (tap the pilot symbol in the menu). Older updates are listed here on the blog.

02 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EL-11 Electrical - 235 Vac Bus Distribution

04 January 2021

- TCAS chapter updated with better graphics and more details on inhibits.

06 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FL-08 Fuel - Fuel Jettison

09 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FL-07 Fuel - APU Fuel Feed

11 January 2021

- Terrain Display chapter updated, new infographics added.

13 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EL-12 Electrical - 115 Vac Bus Distribution.

14 January 2021

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card FL-06 edited. Typo.

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EL-13 Electrical - 28 Vdc Bus Distribution.

16 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EL-14 Electrical - Large Motor Power Distribution

17 January 2021

- Other 787 Flight Control Features chapter edited. The abbreviation for Empennage Door Actuation System (EDAS) was incorrect. Big thanks to the reader pointing this out!

18 January 2021

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card BL-34 updated with new photo

- New FCOM bulletin published. Check out 787 Guide Pro Fact Card BL-35 for a summary.

20 January 2021

- Two new 787 Guide Pro Fact Cards added: AF-09 and AF-10, Automatic Flight, LNAV Armed and LNAV Engaged

22 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-11 - Automatic Flight - THR REF | VNAV SPD

- Fact Card AF-03 edited. Typo.

25 January 2021

- Data Communications chapter updated with several new sections.

26 January 2021

- Minor edit to the Data Communications chapter, adding a missing caption to the COMM pages photo strip

28 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-12 - Automatic Flight - SPD | VNAV PTH

31 January 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-13 - Automatic Flight - SPD | VNAV ALT

04 February 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-13 - Flight Controls - Pitch Control

07 February 2021

- Minor edits to the "Hold on, that's your previous aircraft" chapter and the 787 Idiosyncrasies chapter

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-31 - Flight Controls - Flap Load Relief

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card EL-05 updated (battery locations added) and WS-12 edited (grammar)

09 February 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-14 - Automatic Flight - THR | VNAV SPD

13 February 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-15 - Automatic Flight - HOLD | VNAV SPD

14 February 2021

- Airmanship chapter updated with some suggestions on terrain awareness

- Photo added to "Hold on, that's you're previous aircraft" chapter

17 February 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-14 - Flight Controls - Pitch Trim

20 February 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-32 - Flight Controls - Slat Load Relief

21 February 2021

- Major update to the APU Basics chapter!

- Other Emergency Exits chapter updated (new photo of the Overhead Door)

22 February 2021

- APU Basics chapter edited. Typo listing the Attended Mode criteria.

23 February 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-17 - Automatic Flight - THR | FLCH SPD

25 February 2021

- MCP chapter edited (added detail about altimeter setting use by the auto flight system)

26 February 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-18 - Automatic Flight - Heading and Track Modes

28 February 2021

- Simulator Survival Guide chapter updated with a section on handling skills.

02 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-21 - Flight Controls - Gust Suppression

05 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-22 - Flight Controls - Rudder Trim

08 March 2021
- Engine Basics chapter updated with a section on idle selection

09 March 2021
- New FCOM bulletin published. Check out 787 Guide Pro Fact Card BL-36 for a summary.

11 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-19 - Automatic Flight - SPD V/S

13 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-20 - Automatic Flight - SPD FPA

16 March 2021
- Engine Non-Normals chapter updated with a discussion on tailpipe fires and the new Fire on Ground checklist.

18 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-12 - Engines, APU - Transient Bleed System

21 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-13 - Engines, APU - EEC Idle Selection

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card EN-14 - Engines, APU -Ice Crystal Idle updated

24 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-21 - Automatic Flight - SPD ALT

28 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-16 - Automatic Flight - SPD | VNAV PTH Approach.

29 March 2021
- LNAV and VNAV chapter updated with a section on VNAV "on approach" mode.

31 March 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-05 - Landing Gear - Alternate Extension.
- Card AG-05 updated to include airlines where the master cabin station is not at 1L
- Card LT-10 updated with improved wording

03 Aril 2021
- Fact Card HY-02 updated. Added detail about gear lever in the demand pump conditions.
- CPDLC chapter updated. Edited Emergency Report photo and text to indicate when the SEND button becomes active.

04 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-09 - Landing Gear - Antiskid Protection.

07 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-22 - Automatic Flight - SPD | LOC | G/S

11 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-23 - Automatic Flight - SPD | LOC | G/P

14 April 2021
- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card AF-23 edited (typo)

15 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: CM-10 - Communications - Passenger Address System

17 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: CM-11 - Communications - Cabin Interphone System

19 April 2021
- ENG CONTROL advisory message updated to clarify RR functionality.

21 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-24 - Automatic Flight - THR REF | TO/GA | TO/GA

23 April 2021
- Communications Basics chapter updated with a section on SATCOM use.

24 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-25 - Automatic Flight - HOLD | TO/GA | TO/GA

25 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-26 - Automatic Flight - THR REF | VNAV SPD Departure Acceleration
- Fact Card AF-24 edited (added detail about autothrottle before 50 knots)

30 April 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: CM-08 - Communications - SATCOM System.

02 May 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: CM-09 - Communications - Flight Interphone System.

07 May 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-27 - Automatic Flight - THR | TO/GA | TO/GA

09 May 2021
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-28 - Automatic Flight - THR REF | TO/GA | TO/GA

10 May 2021
- Air Systems Basics chapter updated with details on the pressurization panel

12 May 2021
iOS version 1.4 released!

Tabs: multiple chapters and sections of the app can now be open at the same time
787 Guide Pro Tools: Flight Crew Oxygen Requirement and ACN-PCN calculators with educational PDF reports
And other improvements

13 May 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-15 - Flight Controls - Tail Strike Protection.

16 May 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-16 - Flight Controls - Stabilizer Operation

18 May 2021

- Escape Routes chapter renamed Rapid Descent Considerations and a new section on flight crew oxygen calculations added.

- Air System Non-Normals chapter edited (link to Rapid Descent Considerations chapter)

21 May 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-30 - Automatic Flight - IDLE | FLARE

23 May 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-31 - Automatic Flight - ROLLOUT

24 May 2021

- New Pavement Strength chapter added to Operational

27 May 2021

- EICAS Reference for ENG OIL TEMP L, R edited (missing word)

- CPDLC chapter edited (missing word)

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AS-06 - Air Systems - Air Distribution

30 May 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AS-07 - Air Systems - Alternate Ventilation

31 May 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-10 - Landing Gear - Autobrake RTO

01 June 2021

- Air Systems Non-Normals chapter updated with a new section on Alternate Ventilation.

02 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-11 - Landing Gear - Autobrake Landing

05 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-12 - Landing Gear - Autobrake Disarm

08 June 2021

- Engine Basics chapter updated with a section on thrust reversers

- EICAS Reference entries ENG REV LIMITED, ENG REVERSER, ENG REV AIR/GND, and ENG REV COMMANDED updated with links

- Terrain display chapter edited (typo)

09 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-29 - Automatic Flight - HUD TO/GA | TO/GA

12 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AF-32 - Automatic Flight - Single Autothrottle.

17 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-16 - Engines, APU - Engine Start and Ignition.

20 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-17 - Engines, APU - Autostart

21 June 2021

- Flight Control basics chapter updated with more information about roll/yaw asymmetries.

- EICAS Reference entries for ROLL LEFT AUTHORITY, ROLL RIGHT AUTHORITY, and ROLL/YAW ASYMMETRY updated with links.

25 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-13 - Landing Gear - Taxi Brake Release.

27 June 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-14 - Landing Gear - Parking Brake

- Index of subsequent cards in Landing Gear moved forward by one (LG-15 and LG-16) to make room for new card LG-14

01 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FD-23 - Flight Instruments, Displays - Ground Deceleration Scale.

04 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FD-24 - Flight Instruments, Displays - HUD Symbology Control

06 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AI-08 - Anti-Ice, Rain - Windshield Wipers

11 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AI-09 - Anti-Ice, Rain - Probe Heat

12 July 2021

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card EN-17 edited to show autostart for GE engines.

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-18 - Engines, APU - Autostart (RR engines)

- Engine Basics chapter updated with a section on differences between the GE and RR engines

15 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-08 - Engines, APU - Thrust Ramping (GE engines)

17 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-09 - Engines, APU - Secondary Air System (RR Engines)

22 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-07 - Engines, APU - Overspeed Protection.

24 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EN-10 - Engines, APU - Thrust Control Malfunction Accommodation (TCMA)

29 July 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FP-07 - Fire Protection - Cargo Compartment Fire Extinguishing

01 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FP-09 - Fire Protection - OFCR/OFAR Smoke Detection

06 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AS-08 - Air Systems - Temperature Control.

08 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AS-09 - Air Systems - Shoulder and Foot Heaters

10 August 2021

- Major update of the FMC Non-Normals chapter

- "FMC Hiccups" chapter removed, content included in the FMC Non-Normals chapter instead

- Airmanship chapter edited (links)

- Navigation and FMC Basics chapter edited (links)

13 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FN-06 - Flight Management, Navigation - Air Data Reference System (ADRS)

15 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FN-08 - Flight Management, Navigation - IRU Alignment

19 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FN-09- Flight Management, Navigation - IRS Failures

- Fact Card FN-07 edited (some information moved to new FN-09 card)

21 August 2021

Thrust Lever Positions chapter, What happens at that speed, altitude, and distance? chapter and EICAS entry CONFIG GEAR edited. New condition to trigger the landing configuration warning.

22 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FN-10 - Flight Management, Navigation - DME and VOR Tuning

23 August 2021

- Simulator Survival Guide chapter updated with a discussion on "EICAS Overload".

- EICAS Reference VNAV STEP CLIMB and Cruise Performance chapter updated for new VNAV logic

26 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FD-20 - Flight Instruments, Displays - Pitch Scale Compression and Chevrons.

29 August 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FD-21 - Flight Instruments, Displays - HUD Unusual Attitude

02 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FL-09 - Fuel - Nitrogen Generation System (NGS)

05 September 2021

New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FL-10A and FL-10B - Fuel - Fuel Tank Capacities, metric (FL-10A) and imperial (FL-10B)

08 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-07 - Warning Systems - Airspeed Alerts

12 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-08 - Warning Systems - Thrust Asymmetry Minimum Speed (TAMS)

16 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-11 - Warning Systems - Landing Configuration Warning

19 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-13 - Warning Systems - MCP Altitude Alerts

23 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-18 - Flight Controls - Roll Control

- Fact Card FC-10 edited (typo)

26 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-19 - Flight Controls - Yaw Control

30 September 2021

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-17 - Flight Controls - Hybrid Laminar Flow Control (HLFC)

Download the app on the iOS App Store here!

Download the app on the Android Google Play Store here!

How to evaluate pavement strength using ACN-PCN

Wed, 26 May 2021 04:23:11 GMT

So how do you decode a PCN code string like 74/R/A/X/T? Would that pavement strong enough for a Boeing 787?

This blog post is a shortened version of the Pavement Strength chapter in the 787 Guide app. See links below to get the app!

You could probably work an entire career in a major carrier without ever coming across having to do an ACN-PCN assessment. As far as I remember, it was not taught in ATP theory (at least not back in the 90s when I did it). Therefore, you won't be alone finding all this somewhat vague.

What does ACN-PCN even stand for? Aircraft Classification Number and Pavement Classification Number were introduced by ICAO in the early 1980s to simplify assessing the bearing strength of a pavement. It may come off as complicated at first, but it is actually an elegant system that improved upon a wild plethora of earlier methods.

Note that pavement strength evaluation is mostly for normal operations. When selecting an airport in an emergency, bearing strength is perhaps not a primary consideration. Any piece of runway is better than no runway, and being on the ground is usually better than not, if the situation is bad. But there are corner cases, and when the checklist says “land at nearest suitable airport” there could be situations where you want to take pavement strength into that “suitable” decision.

Finding the PCN code

Let’s look at Uzbekistan. Being in the middle between Europe and East Asia it has a few enroute alternate airports of interest. In the Jeppesen manual we have Tashkent, Samarkand and Termez; all three on the same page, here replicated next to each other for clarity.

While Tashkent is certainly the major airport, they all look quite acceptable as enroute alternates. Long runways, airport of entry, and so on. There are certainly other aspects to discuss here, but let's focus on the PCN.

Decoding the PCN code
Tashkent 08L/26R runway has a PCN code that reads 74/R/A/X/T. The ACN-PCN system works by comparing the PCN value, in this case 74, with the aircraft ACN value. But the aircraft ACN value depends not only on the aircraft weight, but also on pavement type and the pavement sub grade strength. We need to know these two in order to find the ACN value.

The letters following the number 74 contains this information.

Entering the PCN in the ACN-PCN calculator supplied with 787 Guide Pro and then tapping View PDF Report, we see the following decoder:

The first letter, R, indicates that this runway has a rigid pavement, most likely concrete. The second letter, A, indicates that the subgrade, the foundation underneath the concrete, is of high strength. These are the two details we need in order to find our ACN, but it should also be checked that the maximum tire pressure for this pavement is more than that of the 787. In this case it is. The code shows X for high (254 psi) and our tire pressure shouldn't be more than 230 psi. The last letter, T, simply indicates how the data in the PCN code was calculated. For most airports that can accept a 787, you'll see T.

Finding the ACN
In the table below the decoder, you'll see the table for ACN at Maximum Taxi Weight. An official version of this table can be found in the Jeppesen manual or equivalent route manual.

We use the column for Rigid Pavements and the sub column for Subgrade A. The ACN in this case is 65.

Comparing the PCN and ACN
We're done! Comparing the two values is the easy part: 65 is less than 74 so pavement strength will not be an issue in Tashkent. This wasn't too surprising, Tashkent is a major airport that sees a lot of heavy traffic. That's what I meant in the opening paragraph, that if you only fly to major airports you will rarely ever have to think about pavement strength.

Lose some weight, honey
But what about Samarkand then? Beautiful city with lots of history. Worth a visit. Can we go visit with a fully loaded 787? This would be the typical case scenario where ACN-PCN evaluation might come up: your airline has been asked to fly a charter flight to a smaller airport that's not in the regular network.

Let's decode the PCN code string and find out:

Oh, that won't work. PCN is 48 and ACN is 76. Notice how it went up from 65 to 76 because this pavement has subgrade strength B.

Now, remember that this ACN is for Maximum Taxi Weight, so for a lighter weight it might be okay. How do we find out? The ACN table in the Jeppesen manual also shows the values for the aircraft empty weight. Linear interpolation between this weight and the maximum weight is an acceptable calculation. Alternatively, go to the "787 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning" document found on the Boeing website and use the charts.

For now, let's just plug the PCN into the 787 Guide Pro ACN-PCN calculator and run the evalutation with a lower weight.

Looks like 175,000 kgs gives us an ACN of 46, which would be fine. With that hefty limit on the takeoff and landing weight, operation into Samarkand would be viable with regards to pavement strength. Someone else will have to calculate if it makes financial sense...

The full Pavement Strength chapter is found in the 787 Guide app, available for both iOS and Android. The ACN-PCN calculator is available to 787 Guide Pro subscribers in the iOS app.

Download the app on the iOS App Store here!

Download the app on the Android Google Play Store here!

Content updates in 2020

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 05:21:00 GMT

A list of recent updates are found in the app, at the bottom of the welcome page (tap the pilot symbol in the menu). Older updates are listed here on the blog.

14 February 2020 

- C argo Fire Protection chapter updated with detector numbers for the 787-10

27 February 2020 

- Most Anti-Ice, Rain messages in the EICAS Reference section updated with various additional information and links to chapters.

01 March 2020

 - Data Communications chapter updated with information about onboard wifi - Airmanship chapter updated with advice on using said onboard wifi

17 March 2020 

- Air Recirculation System chapter updated with a section about the filters.

29 March 2020 

- Communications Basics chapter updated with information about the Reminder function

13 April 2020 

- Electrical System Basics chapter updated with a section on Towing Power - 787 Idiosyncrasies updated with a minor rant on the EFB :)

28 April 2020 -

Cargo Fire Protection chapter updated with a better table listing the fire detectors

21 May 2020 

- Autoflight Basics chapter updated with FMA details

25 May 2020 

- Other Emergency Exits chapter updated with more escape hatch details

26 May 2020 

- Flight Control Non-Normals chapter edited (corrected a typo)

01 June 2020 

- Navigation and FMC Basics chapter updated with a section on the airline policy pages

09 June 2020

 - Formatting and some links edited in Navigation and FMC Basics, Takeoff and Landing, and Command Upgrade Advice chapters - Major update to the Hydraulic Basics chapter with information about the hydraulic fluid, isolation valves and engine driven pumps

18 June 2020 

- Hydraulics Basics chapter updated with new In Detail headers. I will start adding these In Detail segments to sections that go well beyond the FCOM. - Anti Ice and Rain chapter updated with new sections - Engine Basics chapter updated with information about Ice Crystal Icing protection

21 July 2020

 - Fire and Smoke chapter edited (links added) - Air System Non-Normals chapter updated with further oxygen mask discussion

31 July 2020 

- MEL chapter updated with a few more examples - Weather Radar system edited (formatting)

05 August 2020

 - HF Communications chapter edited (added info about failed antenna tuning)

12 August 2020

 - New chapter "What happens at that speed, altitude, and distance?" added

5 September 2020

- Cabin Interphone and PA chapter edited (typos, format)

- Fire and Smoke chapter updated (typo)

- HUD chapter edited. Added section on HUD brightness

- OPT: Takeoff Calculations chapter updated with more OPT data entry advice

16 September 2020

- E/E chapter updated (additional photo, access details, common mode event definition)

- ECL - Electronic Checklist chapter updated with a discussion on the Loss of All Displays situation

27 September 2020

- Command Upgrade Advice chapter updated with more on decision making

30 September 2020

- "Hold on, that's your previous aircraft!" chapter updated with the often misunderstood FLCH mode

07 October 2020

- 787 Guide Pro Launched!

- 787 Guide Pro: Bulletins card BL-34 TCP Faults added

09 October 2020

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card: Flight Instruments, Displays - Angle-of-Attack Limit (FD-15) added

11 October 2020

- Autoflight chapter updated with a section on the TO/GA switches

13 October 2020

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Card: Flight Instruments, Displays - Speed Error Tape and Flight Path Acceleration, FD-16, added.

14 October 2020

- Fact Cards AG-01 and EN-01 updated (typos)

- Chapters CCS - Common Core System, Loss of All Displays, and ECL - Electronic Checklist updated. I had incorrectly typed out the abbreviation CCR as "Common Core Resource" - it should be Common <em>Computing</em> Resource. Thanks to the reader who brought this to my attention!

- Anti-Ice and Rain Basics updated (typo)

16 October 2020

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Cards: Flight Management, Navigation - Global Positioning System (GPS), FN-05, added.

19 October 2020

- Navigation and FMC Basics chapter updated with some tips on how to best use the CCD

20 October 2020

- 787 Guide Pro Fact Cards: Flight Controls - Secondary Mode (FC-11) added.

23 October 2020

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-12 Flight Controls - Direct Mode.

26 October 2020

- New chapter, Thrust Lever Positions, added!

28 October 2020

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AG-11 Airplane General - Evacuation Signal System.

30 October 2020

- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AG-06 Airplane General - Flight Deck Oxygen

01 November 2020
- New photo added to the E/E chapter

02 November
- New chapter added: Exterior Lights

04 November 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-23 Flight Controls - Spoilers

06 November 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: FC-24 Flight Controls - Speedbrake Lever

09 November 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-12 Warning Systems - Speedbrake Caution and Warning

- Minor edits to the MEL chapter. Stay tuned for a big update there later in the week!

11 November 2020
- Two more example scenarios added to the MEL chapter

13 November 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-10 Warning Systems - Takeoff Configuration Warning

14 November 2020
- MEL chapter updated, adding an important note to one of the new examples.
- EICAS Reference ENG AUTOSTART updated to show the different autostart functionality of GE and RR engines

16 November 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-14 Landing Gear - Brake Temperature

20 November 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: LG-15 Landing Gear - Tire Pressure

21 November 2020
- New section on the HUD TAKEOFF caution message added to the Low Visibility Operations chapter
- PFD UNRELIABLE CAPT, F/O message added to the EICAS Reference

24 November 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-14 Warning Systems - Crew Alertness Monitor

27 November 2020
- Tail Strike chapter updated
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-09 Warning Systems - Tail Strike Detection

29 November 2020
- Major update to the taxi chapter

01 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AS-17 Air Systems - Power Electronics Cooling System (PECS)

03 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AS-18 Air Systems - Integrated Cooling System (ICS)

06 December 2020
- MFD - Multifunction Display chapter updated with a new section on the EFIS Â Control Panel and the ND map menu.
- Flight Instruments Basics chapter edited (links)

08 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AG-09 Airplane General - Passenger Entry Doors

10 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AG-10 Airplane General - Mode Selector Panel

14 December 2020
- Flight Instrument Basics chapter updated with a section on the speed and altitude trend vectors

16 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-05 Warning Systems - Master Warning
- Flight Instrument Basics chapter edited (typos)

18 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: WS-06 Warning Systems - Master Caution

21 December 2020
- New chapter added! Go-Around and Missed Approach

23 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AG-11 Airplane General - Flight Deck Overhead Door
- This index (AG-11) was previously held by Evacuation Signal System, which has now been moved to AG-12

26 December 2020
- Flight Instrument Basics chapter edited (more typos...)
- Go-Around and Missed Approach chapter procedure graphic updated (detail in single engine go-around)
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: AG-13 Airplane General - Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)

29 December 2020
- New 787 Guide Pro Fact Card added: EL-09 Electrical - Power Distribution and Conversion

Download the app on the iOS App Store here!

Download the app on the Android Google Play Store here!

How To Study The Boeing 787 Manuals

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:34:10 GMT

Got manuals. Will study.

Where do you even begin? I’ve gotten that question a few times now, so let me give you my suggestion how to best study the 787 from scratch.

This assumes that you have gotten the official manuals (FCOM, QRH and FCTM) and maybe also the 787 Guide app .

It also kind of assumes that you have flown some other airliner jet before, but if you haven’t the strategy would be the same, albeit with a much steeper learning curve.

FCOM - Systems Description

Start here. In fact, start with the 787 Guide, but it’s probably a good idea to jump back and forth between the two. Read a systems chapter in the 787 Guide first to get an overview, then do the heavy lifting and read the respective chapter in the FCOM.

I wouldn’t recommend starting on page one and read the FCOM cover to cover since it’s sorted in alphabetical order with no pedagogical thought put into the presentation.

Sure, you might wanna start with Airplane General to get an idea of what the aircraft and flight deck looks like. But even that chapter becomes heavy, real quick.

I recommend the following order:

1. Electrics
Almost everything on this aircraft is electrical, so it makes sense to start here and to understand this system first.

2. Hydraulics
Further building that foundation. Once you know the electrics and hydraulics you are in a pretty good position to better understand the other systems. The hydraulic chapter is also a fairly light chapter which is easy to digest.

3. Flight Controls

This is a big chapter, so you might as well get started. The flight controls rely heavily on the hydraulic system, but also the electrical system which is new if you’ve flown other Boeings. The fly-by-wire concept is also quite central to understanding the 787 so pay attention.

4. Warning Systems

It might be a good idea to throw this in here, especially if you haven’t flown an aircraft with EICAS before. By now you’ve seen a few references to advisory and caution messages and you probably wonder what’s up with those. This chapter explains the EICAS and all that stuff. Take your time to understand the different message types. It will help you further down the line.

UPDATE November 2020

This cannot be stressed enough. I've noticed that many pilots arrive in the simulator with a slightly hazy understanding of the warning systems. And it's clear that those who know exactly how the various warnings wo rk have a nice advantage. Study this chapter in detail. You won't regret it.

5. All the other systems

At this point you’ve got the momentum going. Engine/APU, fuel, landing gear, fire protection, etc will be quite straight-forward.

6. Flight Management and Navigation
Oh yeah, this one is heavy and therefore worth mentioning. Reading about how to use a computer is probably the worst possible way to learn it. You may have noticed I also have another app, 787 FMC. This isn’t an CDU simulator, but simply a book with a different kind of interface. Instead of looking things up in chapters, you can see descriptions of every detail in the CDU by tapping on them. It might be helpful if you're new to the Boeing style FMCs. But otherwise, don’t stress out over it. You’ll get hands-on experience with the CDU/FMC on the type rating course.

All those other manuals
Perhaps you transferred to the 787 within your current airline, or maybe both the airline and the aircraft is new to you. Heck, it could even be that the type of operation is new if you go from short haul to long haul.

Either way, there will probably be some operations manuals and route manuals to read too. Save those for last, but try to get started as soon as possible. You want to be in a good place before beginning the line training.

Good luck!
And one last word of advice: never assume that something works the same as your previous aircraft just because it looks the same, or is called the same. Yes, I’m talking to you Captain When-I-Was-Flying-The-Triple, but this is also true for the ex-737 drivers.

Pilots transferring from the Airbus often do better because they assume everything is gonna be new, and therefore make sure to really learn the details.

Did you study your current aircraft in a similar order? Or do you have a better way - comment below!

Introducing 787 Guide Pro!

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:27:26 GMT

New in-app subscription for iOS

New 787 Guide iOS app update! Dark mode, notifications, automatic content updating, and a few other enhancements.

Also, introducing 787 Guide Pro! Making it easier to stay current and prepare for the simulator every six months.

787 Guide Pro features a memory items trainer that uses images and videos to demonstrate each step. From my own experience, reading the QRH to memorize these procedures is difficult. Learning-by-doing is obviously the best method, but unfortunately the time you get in the simulator time is always limited. There are some good procedure training apps out there, but they require quite a bit of effort to use.

So the idea was to make it easier and, yeah, more causal. Practice in the crew shuttle, or last minute before the simulator. Check out the free AIRSPEED UNRELIABLE sample in the app for a better idea of how it works.

787 Guide Pro also includes fresh new 787 Fact Cards that will cover every FCOM chapter and FCOM bulletins.

As we already know, the FCOM is a heavy book to read and it has lots of superfluous text. This is why I started 787 Guide in the first place, to provide a better introduction. But what if you already know this airplane and you just need to quickly refresh the tech details every now and then? The Fact Cards fill this space, being an executive summary of the FCOM. In some cases, it’s been possible to condense several pages into one single card! As with the memory items trainer, they allow for casual but efficient study.

At the moment there are over 170 cards, and more will be added weekly. The idea is to have a complete set within about a year. All FCOM Bulletins are currently covered, and will be kept up to date. You’ll get a notification on your phone whenever a new bulletin card, or any other card is added.

The original app is still being updated with new content. No subscription is needed for that!

787 Guide on iOS App Store

Content updates in 2019

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 04:35:37 GMT

A list of recent updates are found in the app, at the bottom of the welcome page (tap the pilot symbol in the menu). Older updates are listed here on the blog.

3 January 2019
- Taxi chapter updated (just added a photo)
- New photos added to the Cargo Fire Protection chapter
- New photo added to the Cargo Compartment chapter
- Flight Instrument Basics chapter edited (typo and chapter formatting)
- ETOPS - Extended Operations chapter edited (typo, links added)
- MCP chapter edited (added clarification on Bank Limit Selector functionality)

08 January 2019
- Updated the Winter Operations chapter

13 January 2019
- MEL chapter updated

25 January 2019
- Command Upgrade Advice chapter edited (typos)
- Airmanship chapter updated
- HF communications chapter updated

31 January 2019
- GPWS chapter added
- Communication Basics chapter edited

06 February 2019
- Command Upgrade Advice chapter updated

12 February 2019
- Weather Radar chapter updated
- Enroute Weather Deviations chapter updated

19 February 2019
- Autoland chapter renamed Low Visibility Operations and updated

28 February 2019
- Preliminary Preflight Procedure renamed Preflight Preparations and expanded to include FMC/EFB setup.
- OPT: Takeoff Calculations edited for links to the above-mentioned chapter

09 March 2019
- Preflight Preparations chapter updated
- Electrical System Basic chapter edited/formatted

14 March 2019
- Basic Jet Knowledge chapter edited
- Aviate Navigate Communicate chapter edited

06 April 2019
- Takeoff and Landing chapter updated. Added section about aiming point.

07 April 2019
- New chapter, Radio Altimeter added.
- Flight Instruments Basics and Non-Normals chapter edited to add link to new chapter.

10 April 2019
- Flight Control Basics chapter updated. Added section about spoilers and speedbrake.
- Flight Control Non-Normals chapter updated with details on spoiler hardover failures.

15 April 2019
- RTO chapter edited with information about the Engine Failure Alert System. Master Warning light will light up from 65 knots to V1 minus 6 knots for an engine failure.
- Hydraulic System Basics chapter updated with information about reservoir quantities.
- RAT chapter updated with details about power output
- Electrical System Basics chapter updated with more technical details

30 May 2019
- Added new section to the Simulator Survival Guide chapter

03 June 2019
- Updated the HUD chapter (two new photos, Unusual Attitudes, general formatting)

09 July 2019
- Cabin Control Panel chapter updated. Added information about the always-on green light. Thanks reader JM for information!

18 July 2019
- New chapter, CCS - Common Core System, added
- Loss of All Displays chapter edited for links and formatting

21 July 2019
- Minor edits (grammar) to the CCS chapter

26 July 2019
- Landing Gear Basics chapter edited (links)
- Landing Gear Non-Normals chapter updated with information about center hydraulic load shedding during engine start

07 August 2019 

- Added a a video and a section to the RTO chapter about exceptions to consider when taking the decision to reject.

12 August 2019 

- Updated the Airmanship chapter with a new section about equipment care.

20 August 2019 

- Updated (and renamed) theÂ B788 vs B789 vs B78X chapter to now include information about the B787-10

27 August 2019

 - OPT: Takeoff Calculations chapter updated with guidance on the nuisance TAKEOFF CONFIG messages. - Fuel System Non Normals chapter updated with a new graphic showing fuel imbalance limitations

06 October 2019

 - Taxi chapter updated with Taxi Brake Release system function and appropriate brake technique. - Other Emergency Exits chapter updated with video of the OFCR Emergency Escape Hatch being opened.

10 October 2019

 - EICAS message entry PACK L, R updated with information about Dual Pack Freezing.

13 October 2019

 - Gust Suppression moved to new chapter called Other 787 Flight Control Features. Information about the HLFC and LAM added to this new chapter as well.

15 October 2019

 - Came across better reference material for the HLFC. Check out the Other 787 Flight Control Features chapter for a more in-depth description of how it works, including new illustrations.

22 October 2019

 - New chapter, Windshear, added.

31 October 2019

 - Jet Operation Basics chapter renamed (previously Basic Jet Knowledge) and segment about scan flows added

Download the app on the iOS App Store here!

Download the app on the Android Google Play Store here!

Content updates in 2018

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 09:20:23 GMT

A list of recent updates are found in the app, at the bottom of the welcome page (tap the pilot symbol in the menu). Older updates are listed here on the blog.

03 August 2018
- New chapter, Cargo Compartments added

05 August 2018
- New chapter, RTO - Rejected Takeoff added

08 August 2018
- RTO chapter updated with RTO actions
- "Hold on, that's your previous aircraft" chapter updated

10 August 2018
- RTO chapter updated with "After the RTO" discussion

11 August 2018
- Fuel System Non-Normals chapter updated
- New chapter, Overweight Landing added
- Engine Non-Normals chapter updated with photo from reader @jstflyin

14 August 2018
- Oceanic Operations chapter updated

15 August 2018
- External Inspection chapter updated

17 August 2018
- Time Management, and Overweight Landings edited (typos)

20 August 2018
- OPT: Takeoff Calculations chapter updated

22 August 2018
- Other Emergency Exits chapter updated with photos of the OFCR hatch being opened.

23 August 2018
- More updates to the OPT: Takeoff Calculations chapter

26 August 2018
- Airmanship chapter updated

02 September 2018
- Air Systems Basics chapter updated.
- Air Systems Non-Normals chapter edited.

03 September 2018
- Changed the name of the Exterior Inspection chapter (it used to be External Inspection, which probably isn't really correct English hehe)

04 September 2018
- Added a new video on final approach and flare to the Takeoff and Landing chapter

06 September 2018
- List of 787 Abbreviations added (found under Aircraft Systems - Airplane General)

09 September 2018
- HUD chapter edited (a reader noticed that the Normal vs Declutter Mode photos had been flipped the wrong way around. That's been fixed now!)
- Takeoff and Landing chapter updated (positive rate of climb call discussed)
- Exterior Inspection chapter edited (gear pin)

12 September 2018
- Landing Gear Basic chapter updated

16 September 2018
- New chapter, Command Upgrade Advice added, and some parts from the Airmanship chapter moved over to it.

18 September 2018
- EICAS advisory message FUEL IN CENTER edited to show the correct fuel level where it's activated.
- EICAS advisory message FUEL LOW CENTER, minor edits

19 September 2018
- RNP and ANP chapter renamed to RNAV Approaches, and moved to Operational section. Additional information added regarding different types of approaches and what modes to fly them in.
- Small edit in the Takeoff and Landing chapter (it said GE in a place where it should've said RR)

23 September 2018
- New chapter, Cargo Fire Protection, added.

26 September 2018
- Taxi chapter updated
- "Hold on, that's your previous aircraft" chapter updated

28 September 2018
- Airmanship chapter updated

30 September 2018
- New chapter, ETOPS ETP - Equal Time Points added

03 October 2018
- ETOPS ETP chapter updated with a new paperless method to calculate a new ETP

06 October 2018
- HUD chapter updated

08 October 2018
- New chapter added, Equipment Cooling Systems

12 October 2018
- New chapter, Ports and Probes, added
- Anti Ice and Rain Basics chapter updated

16 October 2018
- New chapter, ETOPS Critical Fuel, added
- ETOPS ETP chapter edited (just added links to the new chapter)

21 October 2018
- New chapter, Autoland, added in Operational

26 October 2018
- Command Upgrade Advice chapter updated

29 October 2018
- New chapter, 787 Study Guide, added in Operational
- Simulator Survival Guide chapter updated (just formatting and links)

01 November 2018
- Fuel System Non-Normals chapter updated

08 November 2018
- Flight Instrument Non-Normals chapter updated

10 November 2018
- Further fuel jettison updates in the Fuel System Non-Normals chapter

13 November 2018
- Flight Instrument Non-Normals chapter further updated

18 November 2018
- New chapter, Basic Jet Operations Knowledge added

21 November 2018
- Oceanic Operations chapter updated

25 November 2018
- Aviate Navigate Communicate chapter updated

30 November 2018
- Hydraulic System Basics chapter updated

04 December 2018
- Basic Jet Operations Knowledge chapter updated

09 December 2018
- Basic Jet Knowledge chapter renamed and updated
- Ground crew hand signals moved to Taxi chapter

12 December 2018
- Flight Control Basics chapter updated
- Flight Control Non-Normals chapter updated
- Minor edits to the Hydraulic System Non-Normals chapter

20 December 2018
- New chapter, Raw Data Approaches, added.

Download the app on the iOS App Store here!

Download the app on the Android Google Play Store here!

What happened in July 2018? (Android is coming!)

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 04:38:18 GMT

A summary of the updates and news

The 787 Guide app is a work in progress. It already contains some 400 pages, and 200 photos and illustrations but I'm adding new stuff every week.

Simply tap the cloud icon in the app menu to download the latest content update.

The About page (pilot icon in the app menu) has a complete list of the update history, but another great way to get notified of updates is to follow my Instagram account @787guide - I usually publish an Instagram story whenever I've added new content to the app. You'll see a collection of screenshots of those Stories in this blog post.

iOS app update
Some users reported a bug that have photos go missing in the app. My developer team has been hard at work troubleshooting this and has been able to fix it. The new update is scheduled for next week, August 6-10th.

This update will also fix the issue that the red notification dots for new content weren't always shown. And.. it has a couple of new UI features that looks quite nice :) Check the screenshot of the page turn feature further down.

The updates

Here's the complete list of updates in July 2018.

03 July 2018

- Flaps and Slats Non-Normals chapter updated

06 July 2018
- ECL chapter updated with discussion on hidden checklist condition and normal checklist incomplete caution

07 July 2018
- Flaps and Slats Non-Normals chapter edited. I had incorrectly stated that the alternate flap extension switch is spring-loaded. It is not. The text has now been corrected!

09 July 2018
- Landing Gear Basics chapter updated

11 July 2018
- New chapter, Cabin Control Panels, added

16 July 2018
- Airmanship chapter updated

18 July 2018
- Interior Lights and Signs updated

21 July 2018
- Wing Anti Ice chapter added
- VMO/MMO chapter edited. Thanks Captain Satish for the feedback!

22 July 2018
- Anti-ice Non Normals chapter added

24 July 2018
- ECL chapter updated

26 July 2018
- External Inspection chapter updated
- Graph added to VMO/MMO chapter

30 July 2018
- Lots of new content added to the Data Communications chapter and the CPDLC chapter

31 July 2018
- Airmanship chapter updated

Android!?
Yes, it's happening! We just began building an Android version of the app. It will probably take a few months. Building the iOS version took eight months, but that included the backend database which is now already in place.. so hopefully it won't take that long.

Make sure you sign up for the 787 Guide Newsletter to get notified when the Android version is out!

787 Type Rating preparation

Mon, 30 Jul 2018 08:12:27 GMT

Awesome, you got the job! Now what...?

Okay cool, so you've calmed down (a bit) after learning that you really got the job to fly the frikkin' Dreamliner! Perhaps you've even been given a course start date, and now you want to prepare to make sure you do your best on the type rating.

The following advice is really applicable to any aircraft type rating, well except perhaps step number one ��

Step 1. Get the 787 Guide app
Obviously. Yes, yet another shameless plug, but I truly believe that it helps future 787 pilots to get a good start. It won't replace the FCOM and other official manuals, but it's written in a language that's easier to digest. It gets you in the zone for better learning.

Click here to download it from the iOS App Store. Android is coming soon. Sign up for the 787 Guide Newsletter for updates and news about the Android developments.

Step 2. Get the official manuals
The sooner you can get your hands on the actual manuals, the better. The photo above is a throwback to 2003 when things were still a bit more analog, but these days it may well be that your company can provide digital copies already before the course. If not, googling "787 FCOM" sometimes gives you some downloadable results.

There's a lot of stuff to learn and since you can't avoid this you might as well get started as soon as possible. A lot of stuff to learn... which leads me to:

Step 3. Take sh*tloads of notes

Can't stress this enough. As an instructor I see this all the time, so take my word for it:

Students who take notes always do better.

It's pretty much a universal rule. I'm not sure about the cause and effect here - if it's that better students take notes, or that they are better because they take notes - but either way, go ahead and try. Write up stuff while studying, but perhaps even more importantly; on the course, write down what your instructor says during briefings and debriefings.

Step 4. Get a PC flight simulator
My friends know that I make no secret of that PC flight simulators got me through initial flight training. This was back in the 90s and those simulators were quite basic. Now check the photo above. That's an actual screenshot of the QualityWings 787 add-on flight deck for Microsoft Flight Simulator X. How cool is that!

Imagine how much better prepared for a type rating you would be if you spend even just a few hours flying this at home.

QualityWings is a great company that really takes their stuff seriously. They've had real 787 pilots testing and making sure this gets as close to the real thing as possible. Just head over to their website and check the feature list. It's impressive.

Click here for the QualityWings Boeing 787 simulator add-on

Interviewed by @mega.aviation

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Back in July 2017 I was interviewed by @mega.aviation for his website. You can find it here , and I think it's worth a visit. He has been doing loads of interesting interviews with pilots from all around the world. What a great resource for aspiring pilots, but also others who are curious about what it's like to fly for a living.

Here's his interview with me:

1) Tell us what made you want to become a pilot?

The dream was always there since young age. I started paragliding when I was 15, which was all I could afford (and barely that). At age 17 I was incredibly fortunate to be accepted into a flight school that was government sponsored. My first lesson there was the first time I ever sat in an aircraft!

2) Where did you train and describe your experience training there?

ACS. That flight school has since closed its doors, but the training was solid. It asked a lot from the students, we spent many evenings and weekends on the school premises. Many of my closest friends today I met back there.

3) What aircraft did you fly during your initial training?

Cessna 152, 172 and 182 for single engine. Cessna 340 for multi engine.

4) What was your hardest part of training?

ATPL theory. Already back then it was heavy, and I've heard it hasn't exactly gotten easier these days.

5) What advice would you give to aspiring pilot?

Sounds like a cliche, but here it is: never give up. That's it. If you really wanna be a pilot and never give up, you're gonna be a pilot. Maybe you're gonna have to go fly single engine props in Ghana or Indonesia on the way.. but you'll make it happen. Stay positive.

6) What has been your best moment in the air?

Anytime I'm asked to take an empty airliner on a ferry flight. It doesn't happen too often of course, but that feeling is great! No pax, no cabin crew, just me and the FO, like two buddies taking a 200 million dollar machine for a spin :)

7) What is your favourite destination to fly to?

LAX. Love that RIIVR 3 arrival for its challenge and great views

8) What is the biggest misconception that people have about your job?

That it's kinda easy after all, just autopilot and chill, right? No. If you're flying short haul you're probably under constant stress to meet the schedule. If you're flying long haul you constantly battle short and long term fatigue. No matter what you fly you feel the weight of the responsibility. Piloting ain't easy.

9) Was there something you wish you did prior to starting your flight training that would be beneficial for aspiring pilots to do?

I wish I had learned proven study methods at early age. We just tell our kids "to study harder" but with very little instruction how. There is a lot of resources out there on how to learn more efficiently.