ACARS vs dispatch release
#21
again, I think I’m overthinking it and confusing myself! But thanks for the responses.
The max weight may indeed be something to do with the runway but it was DFW and all runways are very long.
But on ACARS landing data, surely everyone gets the same info: which includes the unfactored length and the longer 60% factored length.
The max weight may indeed be something to do with the runway but it was DFW and all runways are very long.
But on ACARS landing data, surely everyone gets the same info: which includes the unfactored length and the longer 60% factored length.
Second, each airline has specific methods they use to compute performance. Mine doesn't use ACARs. We use a program incorporated into our EFB and compute all the data ourselves, both for takeoff and landing. My previous aircraft at the same company used quick reference data in the QRH for landing distance.
Third, information received from whatever source(s) an airline uses may be presented very differently. Assuming we all can decipher the end product you receive and help you with your questions is a big assumption. Along those same lines, your assumption that "everyone" gets the same information when computing landing distance isn't valid. On my a/c, we input landing weight, ATIS information and runway condition, max or idle reverse, MELs/CDLs. The output is landing distance for each autobrake setting and XW/TW components. We don't get unfactored blah blah.... 60% factored whatever and start doing math. It's one number for a particular set of conditions and autobrake setting.
I think the recommendations that you contact your training/standards department are a good start. Having a solid working knowledge of the performance information provided to you by whatever method you use is pretty important when you start getting close to the edges of the envelope dealing with windshear precautions, cluttered takeoffs, runway shortening and obviously landing under less than optimal conditions.
#22
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2017
Posts: 527
#24
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Posts: 152
Had a flight the other day (fly CRJ-900) ..
Dispatch paperwork said planned takeoff weight was something like 74,200 lbs. Max takeoff weight 79,000lbs, roughly.
Loaded the numbers into ACARS.. said our weight was about 74.2.. as planned.. however it said our max weight was 74.7 or something like that. Why?
Am I missing something basic here? Let’s say we had extra bags and were overweight? We can’t go....
Dispatch paperwork said planned takeoff weight was something like 74,200 lbs. Max takeoff weight 79,000lbs, roughly.
Loaded the numbers into ACARS.. said our weight was about 74.2.. as planned.. however it said our max weight was 74.7 or something like that. Why?
Am I missing something basic here? Let’s say we had extra bags and were overweight? We can’t go....
What might be causing some confusion is that there are several different takeoff weights listed in different places throughout a release:
Max structural: 84500 for CRJ 900
Manufacturers performance baseline (my term): often several thousand pounds higher than even max structural
Max flight plan: The most you can takeoff with (considering planned fuel load and burn) and not exceed other weight limitations (usually landing weight, but I'm sure a scenario containing ramp weight or ZFW could be created)
Planned takeoff: Usually right at your planned weight, often with an extra line for 1000/2000# over that. This is where you get your numbers for takeoff if your ACARS is inop.
All of these will make some reference to MAX, TAKEOFF, and WEIGHT, but they are not the same.
In your initial scenario, it is possible that 79,000 was your max flight plan takeoff weight (for max landing weight) and 74.7 was your planned takeoff weight. Maybe there was another line for plus 1000#. Even if there wasn't, you could call dispatch and have them send you a new release with higher numbers.
Other question, re: required landing length.
We need a certain length to stop the aircraft, but we add 60% to be legal and safe. ACARS will say our min length is, let’s say 3000’ but 4800’ is the required. SO, if you if you get let’s say, a Spoileron fail caution or whatever, you add 20% to the landing distance. Is that 20% of the lower or higher number?...
We need a certain length to stop the aircraft, but we add 60% to be legal and safe. ACARS will say our min length is, let’s say 3000’ but 4800’ is the required. SO, if you if you get let’s say, a Spoileron fail caution or whatever, you add 20% to the landing distance. Is that 20% of the lower or higher number?...
Best advice: Read the related sections (Performance/Release/Loading/Etc) of your GOM/FOM and your POH/FCOM. Read the QRH items in question. Read them all in detail. Small words make big differences. Also might not hurt to ask other pilots. Like has been said previously, this should have been covered in initial. It will definitely be covered in the upgrade oral/KV.
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Sep 2017
Posts: 310
If any YV Pilots here can access ASAP report from last September re: a flight to SBA that diverted because of a 20% penalty per QRH and the unsuing argument with dispatch as to whether they could have landed.... that’d help clarify things I think.
I’ve asked 2 check airmen, gotten 2 different answers.
I’ve asked 2 check airmen, gotten 2 different answers.
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