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A Qantas Boeing 747-400, registration VH-OEH performing flight QF-73 from Sydney,NS (Australia) to San Francisco,CA (USA), was enroute at FL310 about 230nm northeast of Sydney when the crew decided to turn back and return to Sydney due to a problem with the autopilot. The aircraft dumped fuel and landed safely back on Sydney's runway 16R about 2 hours after departure.

The aircraft remained on the ground for about 2:45 hours, then departed again and is estimated to have reached San Francisco with a delay of about 5 hours.

Passengers reported the climb had been unusually bumpy. Some time later the crew announced they would return to Sydney because the autopilot wasn't working. On the ground maintenance worked on the aircraft, passengers understood a part of the autopilot was replaced, then departed again.

The airline reported a technical issue which was not a safety issue prompted the return of the aircraft.

Have a listen to this recording of the reporting of a fault and the request for turnaround.  Would you expect the passengers to be totally informed of all aspects of this incident?

Please discuss...

ATC Recording - Qantas flight to San Fransisco returned to Sydney due to fault (21 Oct 2017)

Aviation English Academy (AEA) is an Australian based school that focuses on the teaching, regulation and research of the specialised language that forms Aviation English.

We are a separate school under one of Australia's most innovative learning centres - Pine View College.  Staffed by qualified professionals who have a strong history and interest in the aviation sector, as well as fully experienced ESL teachers, and finally with the technological expertise and infrastructure of our parent school, you can be assured that the training, information and resources provided by AEA will allow you and your organisation to comfortably comply with the international standards for Aviation English.

ATC Recording - Qantas flight to San Fransisco returned to Sydney due to fault (21 Oct 2017)

Aviation English Academy

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