Originally Posted by
thinkstraight
The 88 is not that difficult. It does require more vigilance and focus. Monitor the FMA closely, make sure your input is correct and NEVER EVER get SLOW at altitude or on final.
Don't rely too much on the automation. Be ready to hand fly to correct crazy Vnav decents. Get the plane under control and reengage the automation.
The most difficult part of 88 flying is the schedule. 4-5 day trips, multiple legs daily, many O'dark thirty departures, hot cockpits and high traffic airport environments, all add up to fatigue.
Remember to take things slow and trust but verify the FMA.
Good luck!!!
This is 100% truthiness. I didn't mind flying the 88. Coming from flying a plane that didn't have autothrottles made the transition easier to autothrottles that don't quite meet the defintion of "working." I don't really have much of a desire to fly it again, though.
On ALL of our jets, the FMA is the way, the truth, and the life. Know and understand it at all times!