Aerospace/Aviation/Jettison of Engine

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Expert: - 2/15/2005


Question
Hi,
I am a student studying for a diploma in Singapore. I have heard that a civil airplane can jettison it's engine during flight at emergency. I have doubts in that if this is done, the C.G. of the plane will change drastically. So, is it really possible for a civil aircraft to jettision its engine during flight at emergency condition? If it is possible, does it applies to all civil airplane? If yes, can you list some examples of those airplanes that can jettision the engine in flight?
Thanks alot!

Answer
"I have heard that a civil airplane can jettison it's engine during flight at emergency."

No. While the jettison of FUEL is a common proceedure during an emergency, the jettison of an engine is not possible. The engines are attatched very securely to the airframe. There is no 'quick relese' mechanism! The only example of jettisoning anything from an airframe I can think of would be the military dropping extra fuel pods or armament attatchments to lessen weight and decrease drag.  

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D. Norkus

Expertise

I can address questions about airline pilot employment & entry level airline careers in the United States, women pilots, flight training, pilot certification, U.S. flight scholarships (mostly for women), aviation & airline safety topics, aviation accident investigation and airline operations. ***Please note, I cannot address flight training & career queries from outside the United States, or aero engineering degree programs/careers, aviation management topics. ****

Experience

Airline captain with 15 years past experience in airline ground operations. I have previously flown as a commercial skydive pilot & ferry pilot and majored in Aviation Science


Organizations
International Organization of Women Pilots- The Ninety-Nines, charter member of Women In Aviation International, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Air Line Pilots Association.

Education/Credentials
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Aviation Safety/Accident investigation.

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