How to fly a DC9-30
09-07-2009 | 07:08 AM
#1
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From: CR7/9 Left
How to fly a DC9-30
So yesterday I non-revved on a Northwest DC9-30. Throughout the entire flight (2 hours), the aircraft would rather abruptly make 10 degree heading changes every 60 seconds or so.
Additionally, it was apparent the aircraft had two thrust settings: full & idle. Every time the aircraft would descend, the throttles would go full idle, the nose would drop 10 degrees, and we all (the passengers) would go weightless (like on a roller coaster) for a second or two.
Now I don't know whether these behaviors are normal, but I must say that, even for a seasoned passenger, it was quite uncomfortable. All you Mad Dog Drivers out there, please enlighten me.
Additionally, it was apparent the aircraft had two thrust settings: full & idle. Every time the aircraft would descend, the throttles would go full idle, the nose would drop 10 degrees, and we all (the passengers) would go weightless (like on a roller coaster) for a second or two. Now I don't know whether these behaviors are normal, but I must say that, even for a seasoned passenger, it was quite uncomfortable. All you Mad Dog Drivers out there, please enlighten me.
09-07-2009 | 07:20 AM
#2
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Oh please.. I am sure if you would have been flying that the flight would have the best ever.....
Did you get there safe? Did you get pretzels and a coke? Man it was a free flight, and you are complaining??
Did you get there safe? Did you get pretzels and a coke? Man it was a free flight, and you are complaining??
09-07-2009 | 07:24 AM
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Don't worry, it's just that the steam spinning the gyros can be a bit inconsistent. The trick is to call down to the engine room about 5 minutes before descent so they know when to stop feeding coal into the engines.
09-07-2009 | 07:26 AM
#4
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From: CR7/9 Left
(And, yes, I do think about passenger comfort when I'm flying)
09-07-2009 | 07:38 AM
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From: B757F CA
If the -30 autopilot is similar to the -80's, it isn't the best. It will usually do what you want it to do, but to have it do it smoothly takes a bit more care and planning.
09-07-2009 | 07:51 AM
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From: Lav
What a useless thread.
09-07-2009 | 09:01 AM
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From: Downwind, headed straight for the rocks, shanghaied aboard the ship of fools.
09-07-2009 | 09:03 AM
#9
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From: Delta
eh, you got there....
09-07-2009 | 09:21 AM
#10
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I can fly it really smooth. Other times I fly it not-so-smooth. When you fly 5 legs/day and do 13 hour duty days, you stop caring about being smooth. You do the least amount of work to get the job done safely which isn't always the smoothest. Get over it.
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