B777 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 18000; Flight Crew Type 8000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Declared Emergency
Aircraft
About 45 min into flight while cruising at FL350 we noticed the L engine oil quantity at 6 and decreasing. I initiated a SATCOM call with Maintenance and asked that Dispatch be brought into the call. While talking with the engine expert the oil quantity decreased to zero and the oil pressure dropped extremely low. We jointly decided that an engine shutdown and return to [departure airport] was the best course of action. I called the cabin at door 1L; gave them a brief explanation and asked that the relief pilot and Lead Flight Attendant come to the cockpit. We obtained a clearance to FL220 [and direct to departure airport]. While turning we shut down the L engine per the Eng Oil Press L Checklist; established drift down to FL220 and briefed the Lead Flight Attendant (no evacuation prep required). We then coordinated fuel dumping with ATC and dumped fuel to our max landing weight. I made an announcement to the passengers explaining the situation; telling them that they should expect a normal landing because 'this is what we train for'. We then had to complete the Fuel Imbalance checklist (which is absurdly long and wordy). On initial contact with Center we declared an emergency with Approach Control [and] we confirmed emergency equipment standing by. I flew a Visual/ILS for a 20 flap landing. Normal landing and rollout. After clearing the [runway] the Fire Department looked over the aircraft and cleared us to continue taxi.
[Narrative 2 contains no additional information]
B777 flight crew reported loss of oil quantity and pressure in left engine. After consulting with Maintenance and Dispatch the engine was shut down; and emergency declared; and the flight returned to departure airport.