787 Fcom (Full 2026)
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: 787 fcom
- 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.
Creating a comprehensive guide for the Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM)
requires understanding both the technical systems and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) used by pilots.
The FCOM is the primary reference for flight crews to operate the aircraft safely and efficiently. Below is a structured guide to the key sections of a typical Boeing 787 FCOM. 1. Aircraft Systems ( FCOM Volume 2
This volume provides technical descriptions of the aircraft's advanced "more-electric" architecture. Electrical System
: Unlike traditional aircraft, the 787 uses high-voltage AC (235V) and DC power. Key components include the four engine-driven generators and two APU generators. Flight Controls : The 787 uses a Fly-By-Wire (FBW)
system. It includes flight envelope protection and "Common Core System" (CCS) for data processing. Environmental Control System (ECS) : The 787 uses bleed-less engines
. Instead of taking air from the engines, it uses electric compressors to provide cabin air, which improves fuel efficiency and humidity levels. Avionics & Displays : Features five large LCD screens and dual Head-Up Displays (HUD) as standard equipment for both pilots. 2. Standard Operating Procedures (NP - Normal Procedures)
These are the step-by-step actions crews follow during different phases of flight. : Initializing the Flight Management Computer (FMC) , aligning the Inertial Reference System (IRS) , and conducting the "Cold & Dark" power-up. Takeoff & Climb You're referring to the Flight Crew Operations Manual
: Using the HUD for low-visibility takeoffs and monitoring the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) for performance calculations.
: Managing the fuel system and monitoring the advanced weather radar. Approach & Landing
: Configuring the aircraft for landing using the landing gear lever located centrally in the cockpit. 3. Non-Normal Procedures (QRH - Quick Reference Handbook)
While technically separate, the QRH is a vital companion to the FCOM. Checklists
: Used for emergency and abnormal situations (e.g., engine failure, cabin depressurization). Electronic Checklists (ECL)
: The 787 features an integrated electronic checklist on the display units, which automatically checks off completed actions sensed by the aircraft systems. 4. Flight Management and Performance FMC Programming
: Crucial for defining the route, vertical profile, and speeds. Cues from the 787 FMC Tutorial
highlight the importance of correct position initialization and engine rating data. Performance Dispatch
: Calculating takeoff and landing distances based on current runway conditions and aircraft weight. Additional Resources for Mastery Video Tutorials comprehensive Boeing 787 tutorial Introduction : Overview of the manual, aircraft systems,
by a real airline pilot provides practical applications of FCOM procedures. Technical Training : For maintenance or structural deep-dives, Boeing's Structural Repair training offers insights into the composite airframe. specific system
, such as the electrical architecture or the Fly-By-Wire logic? Boeing 787 All in One Tutorial | Real Airline Pilot
3. Flight Deck & HUD (Chapter 9)
The 787 FCOM details the standard Head-Up Display (HUD) for both pilots. Key procedural notes include:
- Primary Flight Reference: The HUD is the primary flight reference for takeoff and landing.
- Dual Cursor Control Devices (CCD): The FCOM explains how two pilots can interact with the same Electronic Checklist (ECL) simultaneously—a feature that reduces head-down time.
Volume 1: Systems Description
This is the "how it works" section. For the 787, pay attention to these unique chapters:
- Chapter 1 (Airplane General): Covers the composite fuselage, flight deck layout, and the ubiquitous Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) integration.
- Chapter 6 (Electrical): The largest section. It details the Starter/Generator (S/G) concept, the four Variable Frequency (VF) generators, and the Ram Air Turbine (RAT).
- Chapter 13 (Flight Controls): Explains the electronic "fly-by-wire" system with envelope protection. Unlike Airbus’s "side stick," the 787 yoke provides tactile feedback.
Third-Party Platforms
Most airlines (like ANA, United, BA, Qatar) host the 787 FCOM on:
- Boeing Toolbox (Boeing’s official documentation portal).
- ForeFlight / Jeppesen FD Pro (Class 1 EFB).
- Smart iPads using GoodReader or similar PDF readers with searchable text.
1. The "No-Bleed" Architecture (Chapter 2: Air Systems)
The most dramatic change in the 787 FCOM is the absence of traditional pneumatic bleed air. Instead of engine-bleed air for wing anti-ice, pressurization, and engine start, the 787 uses:
- Electric Compressors: Cabin pressurization is driven by electrically powered cabin air compressors (CACs).
- Engine Start: Electric starters (via VFSG - Variable Frequency Starter Generators).
- Thermal Anti-Ice: Engine cowl anti-ice uses electric heating mats, not hot air.
FCOM Hot Take: "The 787 FCOM spends 50 pages explaining how to manage electrical loads because, in this jet, electricity is the hydraulic fluid of the future."
How Pilots Study the 787 FCOM
Unlike the 737 FCOM, which requires memorizing valve positions and bleed air logic, the 787 FCOM requires understanding electrical load management and system integration.
Top 3 "Gotchas" in 787 Initial Training (per the FCOM):
- The PACKs aren't PACKs: In the 787, the "Packs" are actually electronically driven refrigeration units. You can run them on the ground with the APU off (using batteries) for 20 minutes—impossible in a 737.
- No Autostart: While the 787 has automatic engine starts, the FCOM notes that you must manually select the starter switch. It doesn't auto-engage like an Airbus.
- Battery Life: The 787 has two massive Lithium-Ion batteries. The FCOM contains strict limitations regarding battery temperature and depth of discharge that legacy pilots must learn fresh.