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Video answers: ‘747 with 5 engines?’

Here are the answers to last Friday’s video, enjoy!

Suggested ICAO level for video: 5+

  1. They attached a fifth engine to the wing of a Boeing 747 to transport it to South Africa where it was needed by another 747.
  2. There are different procedures with the weight, balance and takeoff performance of the plane and some limits with the maximum takeoff weight.
  3. They put 6 tonnes less fuel in the tank on the side with the extra engine to compensate, so in effect, the aircraft doesn’t know that it’s carrying an extra engine.
  4. It increases the drag created by the plane.
  5. They schedule a technical stop for fuel in Perth, before the plane continues its journey to South Africa.
  6. No, the last time it happened was in 2011 and it’s usually not necessary due to the efficiency of the engines.

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