Date: 201205
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZOA.ARTCC, CA
Aircraft: B757-200
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Airspace: Class A ZOA
ATC / advisory: Center ZOA
Aircraft component: Fuel Quantity-Pressure Indication
Component problem: Failed
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Second reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Flying
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
Detector: Automation Aircraft Other Automation; Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: During climb to FL360 the left fuel quantity indicator went blank as well as the fuel totalizer. We established communication with Dispatch and Maintenance. I thought there would be an issue (restriction) for entry into ETOPS airspace however Maintenance advised that there were no limitations or MEL restrictions and advised us to continue normal operations. We then perused the QRH regarding fuel issues. There are several checklists that cannot be accomplished without both fuel quantity indicators. For example; FUEL CONFIG; FUEL X-FEED; FUEL PUMP; LOW FUEL; and FUEL LEAK. How can this type of operation be allowed for extended over water operations? Also of interest is the FUEL SPAR VALVE Checklist. It states: Condition: The spar valve is not is not in the commanded position. In-flight No Action Required/End of Checklist. Really! With the engine running in flight this means the fuel spar valve IS NOT FULLY OPEN; which could result in engine flameout at any time. Is this not worthy of consideration; especially again in an ETOPS operation! I strongly urge a closer and more conservative look should be taken at these issues.


Second narrative: During climb to FL360 we got a STATUS message FUEL QTY IND. Looked at the overhead fuel panel and the left fuel quantity gauge and totalizer were blank. Checked Prog page 2 and totalizer fuel was missing. Dispatch and Maintenance Control both advised that it was OK to continue ETOPS with no restrictions. After leveling at FL360 we took the QRH and Flight Manual out to look for further guidance. The Flight Manual states that a 'Status Message Indicates conditions requiring pilot awareness but no pilot action.' Looking at the QRH however caused us some concern; especially the FUEL CONFIGURATION; FUEL CROSSFEED; LOW FUEL; and Fuel Leak non-normals. All these checklists require an assessment based on fuel quantity or totalizer vs. calculated. How can a FUEL CONFIGURATION; FUEL CROSSFEED; LOW FUEL or Fuel Leak be properly assessed without an operable fuel quantity indicated? I believe a further review of this situation and better guidance is warranted.


Synopsis: B757-200 flight crew receives a status message during climb on an ETOPS flight indicating that the left fuel quantity fuel gauge has failed. Maintenance is consulted and the crew is informed they may continue on the over water flight. The crew continues; condition; but believes that some non-normal procedures could not be performed in this  and that a fuel leak could not be detected.