A340 length differences

[Iolar]

The thread concerning the IB A340-600 incident in Quito in R&N got me wondering. Do airlines operating a mix of A340-300/200s and A340-600s have the same crews flying both types? Do they switch types frequently or primarily stick to the one type? Does having different lengths of aircraft between your seat and the main gear affect the "perception" of when to flare? I guess the same question would apply to the A320/321 mix.

[superjet777]

I know that pilots fly the A320, A321 and A330 and this is fairly common at a number of airlines. It's the beauty of the airbus rating!

It's the same with the 757/767 rating.

As for differences in perspective, there is no noticble difference between the A320 and A321, just have to remember you're a little longer in the A321 so are a little more careful on rotation/landing and taxying.

I know that a number of airlines operate both A340-600s and 200s and I imagine that pilots fly both types... however please correct me if Im wrong!

S777

[groundfloor]

340 200 300 600 flown at South African Airways, interesting as the 200`s are early models ie, serial no 6 through to about 22....Emirates fly 330`s and 340`s with same crews I believe...From the 318 to the 340-600 the flightdeck and checks are almost identical. One conversion and the rest is CCQ. The question about the differences, yes you must be aware of the differences - especially on the ground....:) taxying a 600 needs lots of attention. The flare...hmmm 200 and 300 flare at same height as 600 and then try to derotate as it touches down otherwise 3 thumps, main gear, centre gear then the nose. 600 big wing big ground cushion just flys itself on with normal flare. Landing the 200 300 series is worthy of a post of its own...

[Reimers]

The second of the three bumps that one can feel during the touchdown sequence of the A340 is the touchdown of the front wheels of the main gear bogey, as it can be felt even in an A330 that has no centre gear

[Jetjock330]

We fly A332RR/A332CF/A343/A345/A346 on the same months roster, including short, medium and Ultra long haul at Etihad. In other words, A332 today and A346 tomorrow and A345 possibly return. They are all different in there own way, landing characteristics and especially in taxying (A346).

Lengh is a consideration, but also as much as performance, as to the paper work as what the alternate will be, when flying a A340-600. Some airports will accept a 500, but not a 600. Lots to think about. ETOPS on 332 today and longhaul on the A346 tomorrow.

All in a days work really!