B777 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 21000; Flight Crew Type 2000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
Normal departure; level at FL310 began to experience surge and stalls on the left engine. Performed engine surge checklist and reduced power at which time the problem stopped. Started the drift down checklist and had the relief pilots return to the cockpit and alerted the cabin crew of the problem. At this point considered a diversion airport and chose [departure airport]. Received a direct routing from ATC. Contacted Dispatch and Maintenance. All in agreement to return [to departure airport]. Fuel dump was initiated and [ATC was advised]. Jettisoned approximately 130;000 LBS to land below max structural. Return to [departure airport]; approach and flap 20 landing were uneventful. Taxied under own power to gate. Completed parking checklist. Checked on cabin situation and no problems reported. Was debriefed by Captain to his satisfaction. Contacted Duty Manager to provide any additional information required.
The left engine was retarded to idle; we started drift down procedures; and we commenced fuel dump. ATC and Dispatch were advised all along the way. Maintenance confirmed the surge/stall; recorded the data; and wrote up the engine. The Captain [advised] Center; we stopped dumping with about 15 minutes of flying time left; landed on the longest runway available; and taxied to the gate.
B777 flight crew reported they returned to departure airport after experiencing compressor stalls on the left engine.