Refer to figure.
You are cruising at FL380 with a twin-engined jet aeroplane. However, due to turbulence, you descend from FL380 to FL360. Determine the fuel consumed at FL360 until the top of descent (TOD). The distance travelled at FL360 is 295 NM with a headwind of 25 kt, the TAT is -17°C and the aeroplane mass is 65 000 kg.
Refer to figure.
To begin, we will determine the fuel consumption for both engines during the flight at FL360 and a Total Air Temperature (TAT) of -17°C, using the provided table. Given an aircraft mass of 65 000 kg, please consult the relevant section of the attached table:
| 36 000 ft (-32°C) | FF/ENG (kg/h) | 1163 |
The FF/ENG value provided is not the final figure. Please direct your attention to the accompanying note situated in the table:
"Increase/decrease fuel flow by 3% per 10°C above/below standard TAT."
Based on the given information, the TAT at FL360 is -17°C, which is 15°C higher than the standard TAT of -32°C.
Consequently, the final FF/ENG is calculated as follows:
- Final FF/ENG = 1163 kg/h + 4.5% of 1163 kg/h = 1215.335 kg/h
- The aircraft has two engines, therefore the total fuel flow is: 2 x 1215.335 kg/h = 2430.67 kg/h
Once more, we will make use of the attached table to establish the True Airspeed (TAS) at FL360. Kindly consult the relevant section of the attached table:
| 36 000 ft (-32°C) | TAS (kt) | 450 |
This, however, is not the final TAS value for the particular flight. Please refer to the accompanying note positioned above the table:
"Increase/decrease TAS by 1 knot for every 1°C above/below standard TAT."
According to the information provided, the TAT at FL360 is -17°C, which is 15°C higher than the standard TAT. Consequently, the final TAS is calculated as follows:
- Final TAS = 450 kt + 15 kt = 465 kt
The question states that the aircraft experiences a headwind component of 25 kt. Therefore, the ground speed will be GS = TAS - HWC; GS = 465 kt - 25 kt = 440 kt.
At a speed of 440 kt, the duration needed to cover a distance of 295 NM can be calculated as follows:
- Time = Distance/Speed = (295 NM)/(440 kt) = 0.6705 hours
Therefore, with a fuel flow rate of 2430.67 kg/h, we can determine the anticipated fuel consumption for the flight at FL360:
- Fuel consumption = (0.6705) x (2430.67 kg/h) = 1629.8 kg
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