EASA SIB No.: 2017-XX
Safety Information Bulletin
Operations
SIB No.: 2017-XX
Issued: dd Month 2017
Subject: Slow Rotation on Take-off
Ref. Publications:
None.
Applicability: Operators of 4-engine wide-body aeroplanes, air 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 high altitude and 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 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 high altitude airport,
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 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), in
particular in case of one-engine-inoperative take-off.
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-XX
identify whether slow rotation 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; 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. The unintended introduction of additional risks (e.g. tail strikes) should also be
considered when analysing possible mitigating 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 a preliminary draft for an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) [task
2017.168] regarding
Slow Rotation on Take-off
for consultation until 20 October 2017.
We would be grateful to you if you could send any comment(s) to
[email protected] by making
reference to [task 2017.168], no later than the above-mentioned deadline.
Safety Information Section Email:
[email protected]
EASA Website
(Attachment is in Acrobat PDF format)
Postal: Postfach 10 12 53, 50452 Cologne, Germany
An agency of the European Union
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