Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 150; Flight Crew Total 25000; Flight Crew Type 3000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During landing gear retraction the Green Hydraulic System failed. The Pilot Monitoring secured the PTU and the engine pump as per ECAM; but the System Display indicated a total loss of fluid. We continued climb out to cruise. We discussed the problem with Dispatch and Maintenance Control; during which we decided to divert to a nearby airport. An emergency was declared. We selected the diversion airport based on its long runway; good weather; pilot familiarity; excellent facilities; and available Company Maintenance. We debated whether an overweight landing should be accomplished; but considered doing so prudent and the safest course of action. We configured early and had to use the landing gear gravity extension procedure. The overweight landing at 154;000 pounds was uneventful. We stopped straight ahead on the runway and were towed to the gate. A deadheading pilot; who was invited to the flight deck for the remainder of the flight for possible additional input; reported loud squealing sounds on takeoff during gear and flap retraction. The passengers and cabin crew were briefed several times en route to our diversion airport.
After suffering a Green Hydraulic System failure after gear and flap retraction the flight crew of an Airbus; after consultation with Dispatch and Maintenance; elected to divert to a nearby airport where an emergency was declared and an uneventful overweight landing resulted.