Biofuel Test Flight - 30 December
The world's first commercial aviation test flight powered by the sustainable second-generation biofuel jatropha has been successfully completed in Auckland.
More than a dozen key performance tests were undertaken in the two hour test flight which took-off at 11:30am (NZ time) on Tuesday 30 December from Auckland International Airport.
A biofuel blend of 50:50 jatropha and Jet A1 fuel was used to power one of the Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400's Rolls-Royce RB211 engines.
At 1.30pm, Pilot in Command Captain Keith Pattie and Air New Zealand Chief Pilot Captain David Morgan stepped off the aircraft back at Auckland International Airport and informed invited guests about the outcomes of the flight.
"We undertook a range of tests on the ground and in-flight with the jatropha biofuel performing well through both the fuel system and engine, just as laboratory tests indicated it would," said Mr Morgan.
"To complete our testing programme our engineers will over the next few days be thoroughly assessing the engine and fuel systems looking for any changes as a result of the use of biofuel.
"Together with our partners on this project we will then review all the results as part of our drive to have jatropha certified as an aviation fuel."
The test flight is a joint initiative between Air New Zealand, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell's UOP, with support from Terasol Energy.
Captain Keith Pattie and his crew operated the test flight to the north-east of Auckland over the wider Hauraki Gulf area.
Tests were completed at various altitudes and under a variety of operating conditions to measure the biofuel's performance through the No.1 engine and fuel system.
Take off: [Watch video]
A full powered take off, with throttles advanced slowly as per normal operating procedure, establish at three-quarter power and then to full power.
Climb:
The aircraft climbs to 25,000 feet. At an altitude of 20,000 - 25,000 feet, the main fuel pump for engine one (the engine powered by biofuel) will be switched off. This will test the lubricity of the fuel, ensuring that the friction of the fuel does not slow down its flow to the engine.
Cruise:
Once cruising at 35,000 feet the auto-throttle will be switched off and the crew will manually set all engine controls, so the Engine Pressure Ratios (EPRs) across all four engines can be checked for identical readings.
Deceleration/acceleration:
The crew will then control the fuel pressure to manage and measure the rate of change of fuel to the engine under these changing operating conditions.
Descent:
Engine one will be shut down at 26,000 feet with a windmilling restart at 300 knots. An engine shutdown will take place again at 18,000 feet, this time with a starter-assisted relight at 220 knots.
Simulated approach and go around: [Watch video]
When the aircraft is at 11,000 feet the autopilot will be programmed to land on a runway that is "located" at 8,000 feet and undertake a missed approach. This is to test the performance of the fuel under maximum thrust.
Landing: [Watch video]
The flight will be completed with a normal landing, including the use of reverse thrust upon touchdown. The aircraft will then taxi back to the hardstand, stop all engines and restart engine one by itself.
