An emb-170 EICAS alerted 'flap fail' while climbing through FL180 with the flaps already retracted s...

Narrative:

After an aircraft swap we picked up aircraft X. At this time the captain and I were reviewing the MEL items and noticed that the flaps were going to operate at half rate because of a flap issue. We took off and I called for 'flaps up after takeoff checklist.' the captain responded shortly after saying 'after takeoff checklist complete;' at which time we both verified that the flaps had retracted knowing that there was an issue with the flaps. While climbing out of FL180 we received a 'flaps fail' caution message. We pulled up the full EICAS and verified that the flaps were indeed up; continued our climb; and ran the QRH flap fail procedure. The QRH called for returning the flaps to the previous position; which was 0; and didn't really address the situation. The deadheading captain verified that they were up. At this point we decided to continue. The QRH never stated 'land at the nearest suitable airport;' the flaps were at 0; and we were well over our max landing weight. We knew the weather was good and that destination has longer runways. Throughout our flight we discussed what actions we would take if the flaps did not extend during our approach. Sure enough the flaps didn't extended; we declared an emergency; ran the QRH again; notified the flight attendants; passengers; dispatch; and I transferred to controls to the captain. After the QRH was complete and we were set up for the approach; we commenced the approach and safely landed. We did not require assistance on the 13;000+ foot runway and our brake temperatures were normal.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An EMB-170 EICAS alerted 'FLAP FAIL' while climbing through FL180 with the flaps already retracted so the crew continued to their destination; declared an emergency after the flaps failed to extend and completed a normal; abnormal landing.

Narrative: After an aircraft swap we picked up Aircraft X. At this time the Captain and I were reviewing the MEL items and noticed that the flaps were going to operate at half rate because of a flap issue. We took off and I called for 'flaps up After Takeoff Checklist.' The Captain responded shortly after saying 'After Takeoff Checklist complete;' at which time we both verified that the flaps had retracted knowing that there was an issue with the flaps. While climbing out of FL180 we received a 'Flaps Fail' caution message. We pulled up the full EICAS and verified that the flaps were indeed up; continued our climb; and ran the QRH flap fail procedure. The QRH called for returning the flaps to the previous position; which was 0; and didn't really address the situation. The deadheading Captain verified that they were up. At this point we decided to continue. The QRH never stated 'land at the nearest suitable airport;' the flaps were at 0; and we were well over our max landing weight. We knew the weather was good and that destination has longer runways. Throughout our flight we discussed what actions we would take if the flaps did not extend during our approach. Sure enough the flaps didn't extended; we declared an emergency; ran the QRH again; notified the flight attendants; passengers; Dispatch; and I transferred to controls to the Captain. After the QRH was complete and we were set up for the approach; we commenced the approach and safely landed. We did not require assistance on the 13;000+ foot runway and our brake temperatures were normal.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1073648
Time
Date	201303
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.ARTCC
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Climb
Flight Plan	IFR
Component
Aircraft Component	Flap Control (Trailing & Leading Edge)
Person 1
Function	First Officer Pilot Flying
Person 2
Function	Pilot Not Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Procedural MEL Deviation - Procedural Maintenance

An emb-170 EICAS alerted 'flap fail' while climbing through FL180 with the flaps already retracted so the crew continued to their destination; declared an emergency after the flaps failed to extend and completed a normal; abnormal landing.