Narrative:

On takeoff/climbout; we experience a low oil quantity indication. Based on all other engine indications (normal oil temperature/pressure); we suspected 'oil gulping.' after climbout/level off; oil quantity began increasing but never completely returned to a normal level. After cruising for approximately 30 minutes; the oil quantity decreased and oil pressure slowly started to erode. We reviewed QRH procedures for low oil pressure/precautionary engine shutdown/landing with one engine and made the decision to execute a precautionary engine shutdown if oil pressure indicated 'red' (13 psi). We also worked a decision matrix for nearest suitable airfield if we had to shut down the engine. At the top of descent; oil pressure was not yet below minimums. Passing 25;000 ft the oil pressure went below minimums and we elected to shut down the engine; declare an emergency; and proceed to destination. Landing was uneventful. Rescue crews scanned and cleared the airplane. We taxied to the gate uneventfully.'oil gulping' is an interesting event. We have received training time devoted to it at recurrent training. The theme seemed to be that crews were returning/shutting down engines when it was not needed. I would say this mindset led us to assume oil gulping and continue (although we monitored the engine continuously for any other abnormalities). There is no guidance in any of our official publications/QRH for oil gulping. I think it would be helpful to have some type of checklist to back up the crew when such an event occurs in flight. It would help the decision making process.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B737-700 flight crew experiences low oil quantity during climb out with normal temperature and pressure. Oil gulping is suspected and the engine is monitored until pressure begins dropping during descent and the engine is shut down. A single engine landing ensues at destination ensues.

Narrative: On takeoff/climbout; we experience a low oil quantity indication. Based on all other engine indications (normal oil temperature/pressure); we suspected 'oil gulping.' After climbout/level off; oil quantity began increasing but never completely returned to a normal level. After cruising for approximately 30 minutes; the oil quantity decreased and oil pressure slowly started to erode. We reviewed QRH procedures for Low Oil Pressure/Precautionary Engine Shutdown/Landing with One Engine and made the decision to execute a precautionary engine shutdown if oil pressure indicated 'red' (13 PSI). We also worked a decision matrix for nearest suitable airfield if we had to shut down the engine. At the top of descent; oil pressure was not yet below minimums. Passing 25;000 FT the oil pressure went below minimums and we elected to shut down the engine; declare an emergency; and proceed to destination. Landing was uneventful. Rescue crews scanned and cleared the airplane. We taxied to the gate uneventfully.'Oil gulping' is an interesting event. We have received training time devoted to it at recurrent training. The theme seemed to be that crews were returning/shutting down engines when it was not needed. I would say this mindset led us to assume oil gulping and continue (although we monitored the engine continuously for any other abnormalities). There is no guidance in any of our official publications/QRH for oil gulping. I think it would be helpful to have some type of checklist to back up the crew when such an event occurs in flight. It would help the decision making process.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.