B717 (Formerly MD-95)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
We had a wake turbulence encounter at FL340 on an airway in the vicinity of ISO. We were in VMC and saw the other aircraft; a B-777; pass 1;000 FT above us going the opposite direction on the airway. Several seconds later the aircraft buffeted slightly; which is not unusual; but then the aircraft rolled about 40 degrees to the right. I disengaged the autopilot and put in opposite control inputs to correct back to a wings level attitude. At the same time; the airspeed footer rose to the aircraft's current speed and the stick shaker activated momentarily. The auto throttles increased power; the stick shaker stopped; and the footer quickly returned to where it had been before; so I did not feel the need to disconnect the auto throttles. We turned on the seat belt sign; and then called the flight attendants to see if they and the passengers were okay. They stated they were okay; and after checking with the passengers; no injuries were reported. When winds aloft are light; consider offsetting track slightly when passing heavy aircraft directly above.
B717 had a wake vortex encounter at FL340 with an opposite direction B777 at FL350.