Date: 201702
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: Mixed
Weather elements / visibility: 3
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: MD-11
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Cargo / Freight / Delivery
Flight phase: Climb
Airspace: Class A ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Aircraft component: Hydraulic System
Component problem: Failed
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Troubleshooting
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: All ground ops through climbout were normal. Right around Top of Climb; the first Engine Display message appeared; 'HYD #3 ELEV OFF' (Level 1 Message). Upon checking the hydraulics synoptic; we confirmed the above and noticed the hydraulic quality was decreasing rapidly. I believe we started with 8.7 gallons in the #3 system on the ground and at the time of the message it had decreased to 7.8 gallons. Approximately 5 minutes later; it had decreased down to 2.5 gallons. Once the quantity reached 2.5 gallons; we received the 2nd message; 'HYD #3 OFF' (Level 1 Message). We immediately made a SATCOM call to Dispatch and Maintenance Control to discuss the problem. We decided to continue the route of flight to ZZZ and deal with it there. ZZZ weather was ceilings at 1300 feet with 3 miles visibility with calm winds. Throughout the flight; we were in contact with Dispatch updating our progress and asked to pass on info to Center and ZZZ Ops. We knew we were going to need time and maneuvering room to configure the jet for landing and then get towed from the taxiway to the ramp. While configuring the jet for landing; we received a 3rd message; 'HYD #3 FAIL' (Level 2 Message). Manual Gear Extension was accomplished and Slats/Flaps did extend to the flaps 35 position with the other available hydraulic system(s). Landing was uneventful. ZZZ Crash/Rescue responded to the incident and followed us to the taxiway. We shut the jet down there and were towed back to the ramp due to the limited nosewheel steering available when turning right. After a normal shutdown and secure; a Fire Department representative notified us that there was a hydraulic fluid spill in the vicinity of the where we parked on the taxiway that required a cleanup crew. Dispatch did a great job of keeping everyone informed in the airport area so there were no surprises to anyone out there when we showed up. Center/TRACON did a great job of getting us in with adequate time to configure with minimal communication drills and Maintenance was standing ready at the intersection for the tow back. We believe we did everything appropriately; safely; conservatively; and accurately for our situation.


Second narrative: [Report narrative contained no additional information.]


Synopsis: MD-11 flight crew reported they lost the #3 hydraulic system during flight.