787 Fcom < Cross-Platform >
| System | 787 Specific Feature | | :--- | :--- | | Cockpit | 15" LCD screens (no standby instruments) | | Flight Deck | Cursor Control Device (CCD) instead of keypad | | Brakes | Electric/hydraulic (No brake accumulators) | | Pressurization | 6,000 ft cabin altitude at 43,000 ft |
Important Note: If this is for official use (training, manual, or simulator), you must use the specific D6‑XXXXX‑XXX document number from The Boeing Company for regulatory compliance.
Would you like a sample page (e.g., the exact checklist format for Engine Fire Severe Damage), or a list of acronyms (EICAS, PFC, ACE, etc.) used in the 787 FCOM?
Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the essential technical reference for pilots, serving as the definitive guide for safe and efficient aircraft operation. It is a living document frequently updated to reflect the latest performance data and regulatory changes. Structure of the 787 FCOM
The manual is typically organized into several core volumes: Part 1: Airplanes General
– Provides a systems overview, aircraft dimensions, and foundational knowledge of the Dreamliner's unique composite airframe and electrical systems. Part 2: Normal Procedures
– Contains step-by-step guides for routine flight phases, including pre-flight, engine start, and automated systems management like Autoland. Part 3: Non-Normal Procedures
– The most critical section for safety, detailing responses to emergencies such as engine failures or severe weather encounters. Chapter 10: Limitations
– Defines hard operational limits, such as maximum operating altitude ( feet) and runway slope limits ( Preparing for Your Type Rating
If you are starting a 787 course, the following steps are recommended to master the FCOM content: Secure Official Manuals Early
: Obtain digital copies from your airline as soon as possible to begin familiarizing yourself with the layout and technical language. Supplement with Study Guides : Tools like the
can help translate dry technical text into more digestible language without replacing the official manual. Focus on Memory Items
: Prioritize memorizing non-normal procedures found in Part 3, as these must be executed flawlessly under pressure. Practice via Flight Simulation
: For enthusiast or initial familiarization, checklists derived from the FCOM are available on platforms like FlightSim.to to help reinforce procedural flows. specific system
, such as the electrical architecture or flight deck displays, from the manual? 787 Type Rating preparation 787 fcom
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the definitive technical authority for pilots operating the "Dreamliner." Unlike the manuals of previous generations, the 787 FCOM reflects a fundamental shift in aviation philosophy, moving away from traditional pneumatic systems toward a more efficient, "more-electric" aircraft architecture.
For pilots, dispatchers, and enthusiasts, understanding the FCOM is essential for mastering the nuances of this advanced wide-body jet. 1. Purpose and Structure of the FCOM
The FCOM is designed to provide pilots with the operational information needed to fly the 787 safely and efficiently. It is typically divided into two main volumes:
Volume 1 (Standard Operating Procedures): This volume focuses on how to fly the airplane. It contains limitations, normal procedures (checklists), supplementary procedures (like cold weather ops), and performance data.
Volume 2 (Systems Description): This is the "encyclopedia" of the aircraft. It breaks down every system—from the GEnx or Trent 1000 engines to the complex Electrical Braking System—explaining how they work and how they interface with the cockpit. 2. Key Highlights of the 787 Systems
The 787 FCOM introduces several concepts that are unique compared to the 777 or 767:
The "No-Bleed" Systems Architecture: Traditional aircraft use compressed air from the engines to power air conditioning and wing anti-ice. The 787 FCOM details how these systems are now electrically driven, significantly improving fuel efficiency but changing how pilots manage engine starts and environmental controls.
Electronic Flight Bag (EFB): The 787 was the first aircraft designed with an integrated EFB. The FCOM outlines the use of these screens for performance calculations, charts, and taxi maps.
Head-Up Display (HUD): Standard on all 787s, the HUD is a primary flight tool. The manual provides specific guidance on flying "eyes out" during all phases of flight, including CAT III low-visibility approaches. 3. Mastering the Checklist Philosophy
The 787 FCOM emphasizes a "Quiet Dark" cockpit philosophy. If a system is operating normally, there are no lights or alerts. When something goes wrong, the Electronic Checklist (ECL) becomes the pilot’s best friend. The FCOM explains the logic behind the ECL, which automatically displays the necessary non-normal checklist when a sensory alert (EICAS) is triggered. 4. Operational Performance and Limitations
A critical section of the FCOM is the Limitations chapter. This is "memory item" territory for pilots, covering: Maximum operating altitudes. Crosswind limits for takeoff and landing. Autoland requirements and flap settings. Weight and balance envelopes. 5. Why the 787 FCOM is Different
Because the 787 is a software-dependent aircraft, the FCOM is frequently updated via digital revisions. Pilots must stay current with "Bulletins" and "Operational Directives" that may override printed procedures. This makes the digital version of the FCOM an evolving document rather than a static book. Conclusion
The 787 FCOM is more than just a rulebook; it is a roadmap to one of the most technologically advanced machines ever built. Whether you are studying for a type rating or simply curious about how the Dreamliner handles an engine failure, the FCOM provides the granular detail required to operate the aircraft at the highest level of safety.
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is a technical document provided to pilots to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Dreamliner. It is typically structured into two volumes covering systems, limitations, and standard procedures. Core Purpose of the 787 FCOM | System | 787 Specific Feature | |
Systems Knowledge: Provides a detailed breakdown of the 787's unique architecture, such as its more-electric systems (which replace traditional pneumatics) and composite fuselage.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Outlines the specific steps for every phase of flight, from pre-flight setup to engine shutdown.
Operational Limits: Defines critical thresholds for the aircraft, including maximum weights, speeds, and environmental constraints. Key Technical Concepts from the 787 FCOM
The 787 manual differs significantly from older Boeing manuals due to its advanced technology:
Flight Mode Annunciations (FMA): The FCOM details how the Flight Mode Annunciator shows whether pitch or thrust is currently controlling airspeed.
Electrical Architecture: It describes the Variable Frequency Starter Generators (VFSGs), which allow for engine starting and electrical power generation without a traditional bleed-air system.
Fly-by-Wire Control: Unlike older models, the FCOM explains that the control wheel commands maneuvers rather than direct surface positioning in flight. Where to Find or Study the FCOM
Official manuals are proprietary and provided to airlines by Boeing. However, several resources are used by pilots for study: 787 Guide - App Store
The Boeing 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) is the definitive technical document used by pilots to operate the Dreamliner. While the actual manual is a massive, multi-volume technical publication proprietary to Boeing and its operators, reviews from pilots and training experts highlight its modern, digital-first approach. Core Purpose and Structure
The FCOM acts as a real-time guide for all flight phases, from pre-flight checks to emergency procedures.
System Integration: It breaks down the 787's complex "more electric" architecture—such as its bleedless engines and advanced fly-by-wire systems—into understandable chapters.
Key Chapters: Essential sections typically include Electrics (due to the aircraft's heavy reliance on electrical power), Hydraulics, Flight Controls, and Warning Systems (EICAS).
Operational Standardization: Airlines use it to ensure all crews operate within strict safety and performance parameters. Pilot & Expert Perspectives
Reviews of the FCOM often focus on its density and the learning curve for new pilots: The 787 FCOM provides the "Relight" procedure
Density vs. Utility: Pilots describe it as a "heavy book" with significant "superfluous text". To manage this, many use supplements like the 787 Guide to bridge the gap between dry technical manual text and practical operational knowledge.
Learning Experience: Professional reviews note that while the FCOM is "dull," it is the essential source of truth for everything from overhead panel button functions to memory items for non-normal events.
Digital Evolution: Modern platforms like Yonder are now used to manage FCOM updates, allowing airlines to see changes immediately and manage airline-specific customizations. FCOM in Simulation
For flight simulation enthusiasts (MSFS, P3D), the FCOM is the "gold standard" for realism: 787 Guide - App Store
* 787 Guide. Education. $59.99 · In-App Purchases. 102 Ratings. 4.9. Category. Education. Johan Lindstrom. English. Size. 1.2. GB. Apple Boeing 787 All in One Tutorial | Real Airline Pilot
The 787 FCOM provides the "Relight" procedure.
For a pilot upgrading from the 737 or A320 to the 787, the FCOM becomes a 3,000+ page digital document. Operators typically use these study methods:
Document: D633W101-FCOM
Revision: 20
Date: 01 May 2026
Airplane: Boeing 787-8/-9/-10
Boeing follows a standardized document structure across its fleet to aid pilot type-rating transfer. The 787 FCOM is divided into numbered sections, typically aligned with the Air Transport Association (ATA) chapters.
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:
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."
Q: Can I fly the 787 without memorizing the entire FCOM? A: No. You must memorize the Limitations and specifically emphasized Memory Items (like engine failure during takeoff). The rest you must know how to navigate rapidly during an emergency.
Q: Is the 787 FCOM identical to the 777 FCOM? A: No. The 777 is pneumatic and hydraulic; the 787 is electric. The "System Description" chapters (ATA 24, 30, 36) are completely rewritten. However, the Boeing philosophy of switches (TO/GA, Autopilot mode control) is similar.
Q: Where can I get a 787 FCOM for free? A: You cannot. The FCOM is proprietary Boeing intellectual property, protected by copyright. Only certified flight crews, training organizations, or licensed operators have access via secure portals. Unauthorized distribution is illegal.
