Widebody; Low Wing; 4 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 220; Flight Crew Total 20000; Flight Crew Type 5000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
Approaching level off at FL310; we noticed the Number 1 Engine oil quantity decreasing. We got out the low oil pressure checklist in anticipation of a problem and to review it; and then called Maintenance (via Dispatch). As we were talking to them; the oil quantity did reach zero; and the oil pressure began a slow decrease; and when it reached the red area we shut the engine down per the checklist. After consultation with Maintenance and Dispatch; we elected to return to the departure airport. We dumped approximately 110;000 LBS of fuel (planning for a landing weight of 630.0-maximum landing weight). We do have a concern; as the Number 1 and Number 4 tanks went down to approximately 25.0 on Number 1; and 22.0 on Number 4 while the Number 2 and Number 3 were still in the 35.0 range (with reserve fuel to go). This did not make sense; and we closed the Number 4 crossfeed so as to stop dumping from that tank; and proceeded the dumping. When the desired fuel was reached; we terminated dumping; and even though we had an EICAS message of 1-4 fuel imbalance; we elected to land in that configuration. This has already been discussed with the Fleet Technical Captain. As this was the first leg of an initial Captain OE; I (the Check Airman) elected to take the landing for numerous reasons; including winds in excess of 22 KTS; and the fact I had 'signed' for the airplane. The landing was uneventful; and we got to the gate with no issues.
While in cruise; at FL310; Right Engine Oil Quantity rapidly dropped to zero. Precautionary engine shutdown was performed and aircraft returned to [the airport]. Overweight; but normal single engine landing was completed.
Air Carrier aircraft experienced a loss of engine oil quantity and pressure; resulting in engine shut down.