MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Aircraft
Approaching the North Atlantic Oceanic Area; Number 3 engine oil quantity was noted at 11 quarts down from 14 quarts at engine start. At our ETP; oil quantity was 8 quarts. Dispatch and Maintenance were advised of our plan to continue to destination with the Number 3 engine at idle or shutdown with sufficient oil quantity to restart for landing. Once clear of the oceanic track system and in radar contact with Center; FL320 and Mach .80 was requested and approved. Number 3 engine was operated at idle once level at FL320. When oil quantity was 4 quarts; Number 3 engine was shutdown IAW Engine Shutdown Inflight checklist. ATC; Dispatch and Maintenance were advised. No emergency was declared and no special handling was requested. Enroute to destination all ATC controllers were advised of our status. On descent FL220 and A/S 300 knots in VMC the Number 3 engine was restated IAW Engine Start Inflight [checklist.] All parameters were normal except Number 3 oil quantity of 3 quarts. ATC was advised of our return to normal operations. Engine was kept at idle until final approach. VOR/DME approach was flown VMC conditions. Landing and rollout were normal. Taxi was conducted with the Number 3 engine at idle and oil quantity remained at 2 quarts to parking. Oil temperature and pressure were normal at all times.
MD-11 Captain reported oil quantity decrease over the North Atlantic. In accordance with procedures; after coordination with Dispatch and Maintenance; the engine was shut down until descent; where it was re-started and operated at idle for arrival and landing.