787 - Fcom
Developing a feature for a Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) typically refers to creating software tools that translate technical data into digestible, actionable content for pilots. The most prominent example is the 787 Guide, developed by Johan Lindstrom, which simplifies "Seattle-style" technical jargon into intuitive overviews and interactive tools. Core Feature Concepts for 787 FCOM Apps
If you are developing a digital feature to enhance the FCOM experience, consider these high-value functionalities found in top-tier aviation training tools:
Interactive System Overviews: Use high-resolution diagrams to visualize the 787’s unique "more-electric" architecture, making complex systems like the Electrical Power System easier to understand than dry text.
Operational Calculators: Integrate specialized tools for dispatch requirements, such as Flight Crew Oxygen Requirement or ACN-PCN (pavement strength) calculators, which provide educational PDF reports on how results were derived.
FMC Training Simulations: Create interactive Flight Management Computer (FMC) manuals that allow users to tap on-screen items for plain-English descriptions of their functions.
Touch-Drill Memory Items: Use photo-based, step-by-step guides for abnormal and emergency procedures to help pilots memorize actions in a "touch-drill" style suitable for simulator preparation.
Contextual Search & Tabs: Implement a multi-tab interface that allows users to keep several FCOM chapters or sections open simultaneously for quick cross-referencing during study sessions. Technical Integration
A standard 787 FCOM is structured around specific ATA chapters and operational tasks. Any new feature should be designed to complement official documentation, such as the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and Flight Crew Training Manual (FCTM), rather than replacing them.
Are you looking to design a specific UI element for an FCOM app, or do you need help drafting a technical requirement for a specific 787 system? 787 Guide - App Store
Version 1.4 New features - Tabs: multiple chapters and sections of the app can now be open at the same time - 787 Guide Pro Tools: 787 Guide - App Store
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the primary technical document used by pilots to operate the Dreamliner safely and efficiently. Core Purpose
Standardization: Ensures all flight crews follow identical procedures across all flight phases.
Training: Acts as the central reference for type rating and recurrency training.
Decision Support: Provides step-by-step guidance for managing abnormal and emergency scenarios.
Technical Authority: Contains official limitations, system descriptions, and performance data from Boeing. Key Sections
The manual is typically modular, divided into volumes to help pilots quickly locate information:
General Information: Overview of aircraft systems and operating principles. 787 fcom
Limitations: Critical operational limits (speed, altitude, weight) that must never be exceeded.
Normal Procedures: Step-by-step checklists for routine operations, from pre-flight to shutdown.
Abnormal/Emergency: Protocols for equipment failures, fire, smoke, and other contingencies.
System Descriptions: In-depth technical breakdowns of avionics, fly-by-wire, and fuel management. Digital & Educational Tools 787 Guide - Education App | MWM
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the definitive technical document used by pilots to operate the Dreamliner. While the actual manual is a massive, multi-volume technical publication proprietary to Boeing and its operators, reviews from pilots and training experts highlight its modern, digital-first approach. Core Purpose and Structure
The FCOM acts as a real-time guide for all flight phases, from pre-flight checks to emergency procedures.
System Integration: It breaks down the 787's complex "more electric" architecture—such as its bleedless engines and advanced fly-by-wire systems—into understandable chapters.
Key Chapters: Essential sections typically include Electrics (due to the aircraft's heavy reliance on electrical power), Hydraulics, Flight Controls, and Warning Systems (EICAS).
Operational Standardization: Airlines use it to ensure all crews operate within strict safety and performance parameters. Pilot & Expert Perspectives
Reviews of the FCOM often focus on its density and the learning curve for new pilots:
Density vs. Utility: Pilots describe it as a "heavy book" with significant "superfluous text". To manage this, many use supplements like the 787 Guide to bridge the gap between dry technical manual text and practical operational knowledge.
Learning Experience: Professional reviews note that while the FCOM is "dull," it is the essential source of truth for everything from overhead panel button functions to memory items for non-normal events.
Digital Evolution: Modern platforms like Yonder are now used to manage FCOM updates, allowing airlines to see changes immediately and manage airline-specific customizations. FCOM in Simulation
For flight simulation enthusiasts (MSFS, P3D), the FCOM is the "gold standard" for realism: 787 Guide - App Store
* 787 Guide. Education. $59.99 · In-App Purchases. 102 Ratings. 4.9. Category. Education. Johan Lindstrom. English. Size. 1.2. GB. Apple Boeing 787 All in One Tutorial | Real Airline Pilot
Title: The Silent Instructor: A Pilot’s Perspective on the Boeing 787 FCOM Developing a feature for a Boeing 787 Flight
In the dim, ambient glow of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner cockpit, amidst the soft hum of avionics and the rhythmic blinking of system indicators, there sits an object that is both omnipresent and frequently overlooked by the casual observer. It is not made of carbon fiber, nor does it contain the complex code of the autopilot. It is the Flight Crew Operations Manual, or FCOM. To the layperson, the "787 FCOM" is merely a dry technical document—a binder of PDFs filled with limitations and procedures. But to the flight crew, it is the "Silent Instructor," the architectural blueprint of the aircraft’s soul, and the final authority in the delicate dance between human judgment and machine complexity.
The FCOM is often mistaken for a simple instruction booklet, akin to a car’s owner manual found in a glovebox. This comparison fails to capture the document's gravity. A car manual tells you when to change the oil; the 787 FCOM tells you how to manage the electrical heartbeat of a machine that is simultaneously generating enough power for a small town while gliding through the upper atmosphere at Mach 0.85. It is the codified sum of billions of dollars of engineering, decades of test flights, and, regrettably, the hard lessons learned from accidents of the past.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the 787 FCOM is how it reflects the specific philosophy of the Dreamliner itself: the shift from pneumatics to electronics. In older airliners, the "Bleed Air" section of the manual was a heavy, complex tome detailing the routing of high-pressure air from engines to ice protection and air conditioning. In the 787 FCOM, that section is dramatically different. The manual guides the pilot through the architecture of the "More Electric Airplane." It details the stunning simplicity of the electrical architecture, yet it reveals a new layer of complexity: the management of the four variable-frequency starter/generators. Reading the FCOM is like reading a map of the aircraft’s nervous system; it shows the pilot where the electrons flow, rather than where the air bleeds.
However, the true power of the FCOM is found not in its system descriptions, but in its "Abnormal Procedures." This is where the manual transforms from a textbook into a lifeline. Consider a scenario involving the "Smoke, Fire or Fumes" checklist. In a typical flight, the FCOM sits idle, a passive observer. But the moment the Master Warning light illuminates and the aural warning sounds, the FCOM becomes the third crew member.
The language of the FCOM is intentionally stark and devoid of emotion. It uses a specific syntax: "Condition," "Step," "Action." There are no adjectives. It does not say, "If you see a fire, please consider doing this." It says, "FIRE SWITCH... PULL." This brevity is a safety mechanism. Under the extreme stress of an in-flight emergency, cognitive tunneling narrows a pilot’s vision and distorts perception. The FCOM is designed to bypass the panic, offering a rational, pre-determined path to safety. It is the collective voice of the test pilots and engineers who simulated the disaster a thousand times on the ground so the crew doesn't have to improvise in the air.
Yet, there is a tension inherent in the FCOM. In modern aviation, there is a doctrine of "Compliance." The manual is the law. But what happens when the situation does not fit the script? The FCOM for the 787 is a dynamic, living document, updated regularly via the "Flight Crew Operations Manual Bulletin." This evolution acknowledges that engineering models cannot predict every variable. It teaches the pilot a humbling lesson: the manual is a guide, not a god. It provides the boundaries of the flight envelope, but it is the pilot’s "Airmanship"—that intangible blend of skill and judgment—that operates within those boundaries.
Ultimately, the 787 FCOM represents the paradox of modern aviation. The Dreamliner is a marvel of automation, capable of flying itself across oceans with minimal input. It is designed to be "pilot proof," forgiving of errors. However, the FCOM serves as the stark reminder that the human element remains the ultimate safety net. The thicker the manual, the more responsibility rests on the shoulders of the crew.
To read the 787 FCOM is to understand the machine not as a vehicle of transport, but as a system of managed risks and engineered solutions. It is a document that demands respect, requires rigorous study, and serves as the silent, binding contract between the engineers who built the Dreamliner and the pilots who take it to the sky. In the cockpit, it may sit unassumingly on the shelf, but it is the heaviest object on the flight deck—weighed not by paper, but by the gravity of safety.
Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the essential technical reference for pilots, serving as the definitive guide for safe and efficient aircraft operation. It is a living document frequently updated to reflect the latest performance data and regulatory changes. Structure of the 787 FCOM
The manual is typically organized into several core volumes: Part 1: Airplanes General
– Provides a systems overview, aircraft dimensions, and foundational knowledge of the Dreamliner's unique composite airframe and electrical systems. Part 2: Normal Procedures
– Contains step-by-step guides for routine flight phases, including pre-flight, engine start, and automated systems management like Autoland. Part 3: Non-Normal Procedures
– The most critical section for safety, detailing responses to emergencies such as engine failures or severe weather encounters. Chapter 10: Limitations
– Defines hard operational limits, such as maximum operating altitude ( feet) and runway slope limits ( Preparing for Your Type Rating
If you are starting a 787 course, the following steps are recommended to master the FCOM content: Secure Official Manuals Early
: Obtain digital copies from your airline as soon as possible to begin familiarizing yourself with the layout and technical language. Supplement with Study Guides : Tools like the Introduction : Overview of the manual, aircraft systems,
can help translate dry technical text into more digestible language without replacing the official manual. Focus on Memory Items
: Prioritize memorizing non-normal procedures found in Part 3, as these must be executed flawlessly under pressure. Practice via Flight Simulation
: For enthusiast or initial familiarization, checklists derived from the FCOM are available on platforms like FlightSim.to to help reinforce procedural flows. specific system
, such as the electrical architecture or flight deck displays, from the manual? 787 Type Rating preparation
You're referring to the Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) for the Boeing 787!
The FCOM is a comprehensive guide for pilots operating the Boeing 787 aircraft. Here's an overview of the guide:
Introduction
The Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) provides information and guidance for flight crew members to operate the Boeing 787 aircraft safely and efficiently. The manual is divided into several sections, covering various aspects of aircraft operation.
787 FCOM Structure
The FCOM is typically organized into the following sections:
- Introduction: Overview of the manual, aircraft systems, and flight crew responsibilities.
- Aircraft Systems: Description of aircraft systems, including:
- Electrical
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Fuel
- Propulsion (engines and thrust reversers)
- Flight control
- Avionics
- Pre-Flight Operations: Procedures for:
- Pre-flight checks
- Before start
- Starting engines
- Taxiing
- Normal Operations: Procedures for:
- Takeoff
- Climb
- Cruise
- Descent
- Landing
- Abnormal Operations: Procedures for:
- System failures (e.g., engine failure, pressurization failure)
- Emergency situations (e.g., fire, depressurization)
- Performance: Data and charts for:
- Aircraft performance (e.g., climb rates, cruise speeds)
- Weight and balance
- Supplemental Systems: Information on:
- Autothrottle
- Autopilot
- Flight Management Computer (FMC)
- Heads-Up Display (HUD)
- Emergency Procedures: Detailed procedures for:
- Emergency situations (e.g., evacuation, ditching)
- System failures (e.g., total electrical failure)
Guide to Using the 787 FCOM
To effectively use the 787 FCOM, follow these steps:
- Familiarize yourself with the manual's structure and contents: Understand the organization and layout of the manual.
- Read and understand the relevant sections: Study the sections related to the phase of flight you are in or plan to be in (e.g., pre-flight, takeoff, cruise).
- Use the FCOM in conjunction with other resources: Use the FCOM in conjunction with other flight crew resources, such as the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) and the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
- Follow the procedures and guidelines outlined: Adhere to the procedures and guidelines outlined in the FCOM to ensure safe and efficient operation of the aircraft.
- Stay up-to-date with revisions and updates: Regularly review and familiarize yourself with updates and revisions to the FCOM.
Additional Resources
In addition to the FCOM, Boeing provides other resources to support flight crew training and operations:
- Boeing 787 Flight Crew Training Manual: A comprehensive guide for flight crew training.
- Quick Reference Handbook (QRH): A concise guide to normal and abnormal procedures.
- Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM): A detailed guide to aircraft systems and performance.
By following this guide and using the 787 FCOM in conjunction with other resources, flight crew members can ensure safe and efficient operation of the Boeing 787 aircraft.
I’ve focused on a key system or procedure section — let me know if you’d like a different topic (e.g., electrical, hydraulics, flight controls, or a specific non-normal scenario).
1. The Electrical System (AC vs. DC)
The 787 FCOM emphasizes that the aircraft runs on AC power. There is no large DC starter/generator. The VFSGs produce variable frequency (360 Hz to 800 Hz) AC.
- Auto Load Shedding: The FCOM details 3 levels of electrical shedding. Level 3 shedding (losing both main generators) is your "get on the ground immediately" trigger.
- The Silent RAT: Unlike older RATs, the 787 RAT spins a hydraulic pump and an AC generator. The FCOM notes that deploying the RAT feels like a "soft thud," not a violent bang.
5.40.1 Dispatch with Inoperative APU
- APU not required for ETOPS if both engine-driven generators and HMG (Hydraulic Motor Generator) operational.
- Must have alternate source for cabin pressurization (dual pack operation from engines).
- Operational restriction – do not depart below –10°C OAT without APU bleed for engine start assist.
Volume 4: Supplemental Procedures (Non-Normal)
This covers engine failures, fire suppression, depressurization, and the unique 787 emergency descent procedure (which requires you to deploy the RAT to maintain control power).