Operating on contaminated runways (haze/dust observed in cockpit and cabin)

Effectivity: Global 7500 aircraft

ATA 02, 21, 71

This article is to advise Global 7500 aircraft operators of a phenomenon recently reported after landing at Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW) in Dubai.

Shortly after landing, the crew initially reported a “smoke” and smell in the cockpit and cabin. The on-site Bombardier team troubleshot and inspected all associated suspected systems for any signs of anomalies. The team was unable to identify any issues. A static ground run also showed no evidence of any of the crews reported observations.

Following the post-inspection test flight (which included multiple “touch and gos”) and while the aircraft was taxiing off the runway, the crew observed the same haze in the cockpit and cabin. The onboard team visually confirmed that this was not smoke and rather fine dust/haze, which was consistent with the moment the engines were passing near a contaminated (dusty) patch off the runway causing a large dust cloud to form due to the thrust reversers being deployed at low speed (see Figures 1 and 2). The haze in the cabin did dissipate within 30 seconds after clearing the dust patch.

The team was able to obtain additional feedback from other Global 7500 aircraft flight crews who had flown in similar regions and reported similar observations. To date, the reported events are associated when the aircraft is taxiing at low speed while the thrust reversers (TR(s)) are being utilized on runways located in hot dusty regions.

The team is currently reviewing the guidance within the flight manuals (FCOM 1) to minimize the cabin effects while taxiing in or around dust contaminated taxiways.

Figure 1 - Dust observed during low speed Taxi (TR Deployed)

Figure 2 - Dust cloud observed during low speed Taxi (TR Deployed)