Narrative:

During cruise phase of flight we got a spoilers EICAS message. We checked the flight control synoptic and observed a problem with the #5 spoiler panel. The associated emergency checklist was mostly informational in nature but did tell us to check performance data for a non-normal landing configuration with the associated EICAS message. We determined that we would be within limits for a normal flaps 30 landing for our arrival. The emergency checklist also instructed to not move the flap lever after landing. Subsequently we decided to contact dispatch and maintenance control via satcom to clarify some questions we had about the situation. During this conversation; maintenance control advised us that; with this particular problem; flap extension would operate normally but flap retraction would be inhibited both in flight and on the ground. The emergency checklist and flight manual make no mention of this and we asked for confirmation. Maintenance control contacted boeing and they confirmed we would be unable to retract flaps once extended.we then began to consider what to do in the event of a go-around in the terminal area or an engine failure on short final.with these scenarios in mind we decided a flaps 30 landing was not the most prudent plan given that we would be unable to retract flaps. After reviewing the landing performance tables and discussing a number of different scenarios we might encounter we decided a flaps 20 landing would be the safest approach. Due to the fact(s) that we had an issue with a flight control system component and deviating from a recommended flight manual procedure and landing in a non-normal configuration; we coordinated with dispatch to [advise ATC] in the terminal area. ATC gave us vectors for an extended final for the ILS xxl. We made an uneventful flaps 20 landing as planned.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B787 First Officer reported receiving an EICAS fault message for the wing spoilers that resulted in a precautionary landing.

Narrative: During cruise phase of flight we got a SPOILERS EICAS message. We checked the flight control synoptic and observed a problem with the #5 spoiler panel. The associated emergency checklist was mostly informational in nature but did tell us to check performance data for a non-normal landing configuration with the associated EICAS message. We determined that we would be within limits for a normal Flaps 30 landing for our arrival. The emergency checklist also instructed to not move the flap lever after landing. Subsequently we decided to contact Dispatch and Maintenance Control via SATCOM to clarify some questions we had about the situation. During this conversation; Maintenance Control advised us that; with this particular problem; flap extension would operate normally but flap retraction would be inhibited both in flight and on the ground. The Emergency Checklist and flight manual make no mention of this and we asked for confirmation. Maintenance Control contacted Boeing and they confirmed we would be unable to retract flaps once extended.We then began to consider what to do in the event of a go-around in the terminal area or an engine failure on short final.With these scenarios in mind we decided a flaps 30 landing was not the most prudent plan given that we would be unable to retract flaps. After reviewing the landing performance tables and discussing a number of different scenarios we might encounter we decided a flaps 20 landing would be the safest approach. Due to the fact(s) that we had an issue with a flight control system component and deviating from a recommended flight manual procedure and landing in a non-normal configuration; we coordinated with dispatch to [advise ATC] in the terminal area. ATC gave us vectors for an extended final for the ILS XXL. We made an uneventful flaps 20 landing as planned.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site 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.