“What do you want to do?”
“I’m pulling the T-handle for engine number two. Confirm my hand is on engine number two T-handle?” Wu asked Liu.
“Whoa. Okay. Confirmed.”
“Pulling.”
Wu pulled the handle, which shut down the fuel valve to engine two between the fuel tank and the fuel pump, therefore, shutting the engine down immediately. He then put his hand up to the fire extinguisher, and placed the switch down. This sprayed the engine area with Halon gas, robbing the engine area of oxygen. This ensured that if the fire was still going and burning outside the engine, but inside the engine compartment, it would extinguished. No oxygen meant no fire.
An aircraft engine fire in the Devil Dragon, like most airplanes, could easily spread to the wing or fuselage, resulting in a mishap. The heat from the fire could cause distortion of the wing, affect the aerodynamic lift, in addition to aircraft fuel, hydraulic, and electrical systems, and eventually compromise the physical structure of the aircraft leading to loss of control. At these speeds, a swarm of mosquitos on the wing could cause a mishap. If Wu and Liu successfully contained the fire, there was still risk that the fire may reignite, and a plan to land the jet as soon as possible was needed.
As the jet slowed down thru the Mach numbers, the jet shuddered like a car on an exit off ramp coming from the highway. It wasn’t anywhere near violent or uncontrollable, but you knew it was there. Wu maintained control of the jet the entire time, remembering the fundamental saying aviate-navigate-communicate when facing an emergency. It was something all pilots were taught at the beginning of flight training, and lasted a lifetime.
“Liu, look, we need to land. We both know we need to land. We can land immediately, or, take a chance and continue to destination on the remaining three engines,” Wu said, scanning the other engine instruments for any secondaries. “I don’t see any secondary fires.”
“Wu, we are eight minutes from the civil airport at 12 o’clock… Korla Airport. Radar shows Korla has three commercial aircraft in pattern, waiting to land. They are all on final. Two Air China jets, and a China Southern jet. Runway in use is 22, length is 9,100 feet,” Liu replied. Liu knew this was a tough decision, and let out a breath.
Wu considered landing right away, and thought about what would happen upon landing in this case. Their jet was most likely damaged, but not much. The fire looked contained, and should be out. Everything else was ops normal, and although they couldn’t finish their test, he was comfortable.
“Wu, what do you want to do? You need to descend now to make the airfield. NOW. What are you deciding?”
Part 6 — The Plan
The Gulfstream Corporate Weekly Dinner was being held at 45 Bistro this week, and the usual gang from Customer Service and Marketing always hosted a splendid meal. Aircrew from all over the world flew into Savannah, Georgia for semi-annual training, as did new owners, technicians, and anyone else affiliated with Gulfstream for the week. It was their special night out, all expenses paid, to show their appreciation for the business they gave Gulfstream. Each week the location rotated to another fine dining experience, and 45 Bistro was an excellent choice for this fine evening. 45 Bistro, located in the Marshall House Hotel was just five minutes’ walk time from the famous River Walk, full of scenery, bars, and more restaurants. The historic Hotel, rumored to be haunted since being built in the mid-1800’s, had previously served as a former hospital in treating yellow fever for soldiers of the Union Army during the Civil War.
Sitting in one corner of the restaurant with his back to the original 1851 brick work was an unusual and boisterous patron. Mr. Reggie Bryant, President of Gulfstream, was the special guest at tonight’s early evening dinner, a rare occasion considering his travel and work schedule. Reggie had just ordered his meal, laughing with the visiting aircrew, when his smart phone vibrated.
“Burns, you old dog. How the heck are you?” Reggie answered, seeing it was Calvin Burns calling on his caller ID. They were both Savannah State College alum, former roommates and fraternity brothers, and Reggie did not want to ignore the call. It was about four months since they last talked, and Reggie was always willing to talk to his good friend. He was also always available to the organization he represented, as the U.S. Government was a large customer with deep pockets. In addition to being patriotic, it was good business for Gulfstream.
“Good. Good. I hope I’m not bothering you,” Calvin said, ever so respectful of his time.
“Brother, any time is good for you. I’m at a work dinner, but let me step over here towards the doorway, make some room, here. These pilots at this dinner are getting loud and rowdy already! God damn, these pilots, always yelling… carrying on. Anyway, how’s the family?” he said laughing at the energy and fun in the room.
Reggie was already up and walking over to the doorway, and glanced outside at the wooden overhead-covered sidewalk. The aircrews and other guests were already into their third drink and getting louder by the minute. The domestic and international pilots and others were visiting the Savanah facility to do their semi-annual pilot training in the simulators, or to pick up a new jet, and even attend crew resource training. The costs associated with a new jet could be around $67 million, so the least Gulfstream could do was take everyone out for a fun dinner.
“Everyone is terrific, my friend. All healthy and good… and I hope yours is, too. Hey, sounds like a fun evening, but, look, ahh, Reggie. I’m sorry to bring up business this fast, but I need a favor. I need a time sensitive, work related, favor,” Calvin said.
“Sure, sure. What is it?” Reggie asked.
“We have a special need. One that is a rush job. Ahh, it will require some work on a jet we are borrowing, and the timeline is much faster than usual. Special Missions Department. The request is… uncommon.”
“Great. Love it,” Reggie replied laughing. “Just bring her on down to SAV. Not sure what jet you’re using this time, but we can always get you one if you can’t locate one. Even a used airframe, Calvin, we have them available. Our Special Missions Service Center team can do it. We can make it happen,” Reggie said, with the tone of reassurance.
“Your airframes guys will be busy. Can’t say what we are looking for at the moment, um, on the phone, but it is not a normal request. Your engineers would have to be present at the face to face meeting, too. Ahh, we have our eye on a G650ER from one of your customers, and we’ve been in contact, and it’s available. I’ll have my guys down tomorrow, and, ahh, have them come see you?” Calvin asked.
“Yup, just have them call first to ensure they get on my schedule. I’m in Savannah until Wednesday, then on to Appleton, and then our Long Beach facility. Would be happy to help you, Cal,” Reggie answered.
“Thank you, Reggie. If you weren’t hosting your weekly Dinner, we could chat about Kathy and your girls. Would love to hear how South Carolina State is going for your youngest. Ahh, I know you’re busy, brother. Thank you.”
Reggie ended the call, and thought about the request. Different, although no different from when they made modifications to other three-letter agency Gulfstream jets from DC. Like the time DIA wanted a radar hidden in the nose of a G500 back in January. And the StingRay cell tower device they installed in the vertical tail section last year in another aircraft for the DEA. All the three letter agencies came to see Reggie and the Gulfstream team because they were the gold standard. There was no better business jet on the market. Fast, glossy, high-end, and luxurious, their jets delivered folks and their equipment nearly anywhere in the world with style.