I'm sat in a cafe in Rome when I get a call ....... "Just hop into one of our 737's that's been stuck for 8 hours ..... the crew are over their hours for today."
"OK ....... where will I be flying to?"
"Liverpool ....... you can go visit your mother. Oh and by the way ..... they've been doing maintainence on the starboard engine."
"Fine ....... so will I get an extra day's holiday in lieu?"
" Of course you will."
Jumped into a Taxi and headed to Fiumicino. The aircraft was being fueled and readied. I met with my co pilot who had done all the walkround checks. He briefed me on weather and procedures.
Finally off and away much to the relief of a full load of passengers.
The forecast was for possible thunderstorms over the Alps and the accompanying turbulence could be severe. We had a few contingencies should things get too rough ... but for now it was beautiful and smooth.
Smooth was the fatal word ........ judder judder ...... rattle rattle ...... power dropped off and warnings sounded from all angles ..... checked the instruments ...... the starboard engine was loosing power. Went through the checklists but the engine failed to reignite.
Now what to do ........ continue or divert to the nearest available airport? We discussed the situation .... but the weather made the decision for us ..... several thunderheads became visible over the mountains ahead. We'll divert to Genoa ...We contacted ATC and advised them of the situation and our decision.
ATC advised that we dumped fuel over the Med ..... so we circled for a while before descending toward Genoa.
Finally on approach.
Down safely ...... we taxied to the gate and allowed the passengers off warning them that they could be up for a long delay. Contacted base and informed them of the situation and that they will now be owing me a Week in leiu.
The PMDG 737.
enjoy
eno
