Originally Posted by
acl65pilot
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)
Well, I guess it's time to add my 2 cents. The 737-800 is a nice flying airplane. The two large LCD flat panels make flying it VERY EASY. There's plenty of power and it goes a LONG WAY (JFK-SEA against the wind (100+) with a block time of 6.5-7.0). It's easy to fly and forgiving even if you get a little slow. It is hard to slow down - don't get high! The VNAV has gone back to dive and drive (Try the SEAVU2 into LAX). The guys on the airplane are great (at least in LA). It's cramped and noisy (earplugs plus speaker or noise cancelling headset is required if you want to hear in 10 years) in the cockpit, we're stuck with the old overhead panel (Thanks Southwest), could have had the 757 nose (quieter and roomier - Thanks again Southwest) and the trips out west (LAX) suck. Very happy to be flying it (in my mind one and done for 5 hours a day is just fine). The training guys in the 737 dept are great and it's still a Boeing - you won't have any trouble - enjoy it.