Originally Posted by
Pineapple Guy
acl65, I've yet to find an airplane that didn't have its quirks, and I've flown almost everything in the current pre-merger DAL fleet and many that are no longer here (DC9, 727, 737-2, L1011, MD11)). As several have mentioned, the 738 doesn't hold speed that well in a VNAV descent; it sets the throttles to hold what it thinks it should, then they go into "arm" until the speed gets off desired by a pretty big amount (I don't remember exactly).
Having said that, the two biggest disappointments in my flying career to date (airplane wise) were when I switched onto the B767 and when I switched to the L1011. In both cases, I'd flown with so many guys who had nothing but great things to say about them but, alas, when I got there, I found those planes had just as many quirks as any other.
It's just a matter of getting used to a different set. I think you'll really like the 738, just don't ask it to be something its not.
Given the aircraft that I have previously flown, I have fairly low expectations. I love the 757/767 and really do not see too many issues with the jet, the 88 did not bother me too much, and the jets in the regional world were not that bad either.
People are "afraid" of the 88 and complain about the 737. Keeping that in perspective makes me think it will be a fun but cramped jet. Probably going to have to get a smaller suit case (27 inch currently) and pack a smaller computer bag.....(carry way to much crud)