Originally Posted by
AFW_MD11
Landing flaps are either 35 or 50 in the MD-10/MD-11 - not 40 (but you probably knew that
)
I would be open to your idea of a "reasonable explanation" - but it depends on what your definition of "wrong" is.
Anything is "possible"......
**Note: Before you answer - check the MD-11/10 CFM, MD-11/10 FCTM, and the FOM - especially FOM section 1.01 & 1.03
(documents outlining how the FAA has approved FedEx to operate their aircraft/airline)
***Note also: maintenance check flights are not done on revenue flights from MEM to ORD - so that "reasonable explanation" is out from the start.
Maybe they had a 50kt tailwind at 500ft, that turned around to a 10kt headwind on the ground. And, they briefed for the greater than 1000fpm.
Or, maybe they were victims of the ACF program and crappy and excessive vectoring in above 2000/3 conditions. And, were afraid to go around due to possible fuel starvation.
Sometimes, what looks like something dangerous to the varsity, sitting on the ground, might actually be the safest thing someone could do.