Regularguy

I thought I would get another thread started to shake the tree a bit.

While commuting I have the great pleasure and opportunity to occasionally ride in the 737-900. The other day the flight was full, had some hold and alt fuel, and the adjusted approach speed was 170 knots (big headwind, 30 knots).

The crew did a good job of getting the airplane on the end of the runway without much of a flare/check (don't hit the tail) and with brakes 3, full reverse got it slowed down quickly. They even got the brakes off at the gate to save the tires from deflating.

As we were taxing in what bothered me was how Boeing could deliver such a compromised product to its customers. In my 36 years of aviation history, flying the big jets, I have never experienced an airplane which relies so much on the skill of the pilots to not "screw it up!" Now they are adding the new "scimitar" wing tips and I guarantee someone will do their best to grind one of them off in a crosswind landing.

For all you 737 pilots out there who fly the -900, be careful, the airplane will try to ruin your career.

oldmako

But, but, but....its NEW!

We can all thank SWA for the super guppy.

8ballfreight

"Don't hit the tail"

As a function of the speed or the aircraft design?

Cbusbased

I've never flown a Boeing product, but flying aircraft that keep you on your toes are the fun ones! Then again, I've only got 3K hours and still like to hand fly.

squall line

I feel the same. I'm regularly in the Jumpseat and wish Boeing did a "let's start over". It's all about the mighty dollar!

Timbo

It gets old after your sixth leg of the day...

Hard to believe that the same company who brought us probably the best flying, easiest landing airplane, the 757-200, also builds this p.o.s.

Thanks Obama!

Regularguy

Answers:

Yep, they increase the landing speed so that the deck angle will be less. It's the old theory about lift verses speed and angle of attack. Go slower need a higher angle of attack.

As far as "the fun ones" go, here's the deal, as a professional pilot you are asked to take that "fun one" into a tight short runway when the braking action is near the limits of the airplane. You are asked to land on a runway in a crosswind that was demonstrated to be the limit by a test pilot who was at the peak of his or her game.

Regularguy

Oh I forgot:

The 737 was never designed to sit so low and be so long!

Boeing's answer: Bigger wing for more lift and faster speeds for lower landing deck angle. Solution to JAC and short runways? Don't buy this jet for those purposes, "we make shorter versions."

Lerxst

Throwing the new scimitar winglets into the mix will further erode the already minimal xwind landing safety margin.

oldmako

You guys be careful. High speeds and short runways with single bogie gear not a great mix. SWA Burbank. And if the runway is contaminated....SWA Midway. Not good.