Differences between 737-300 and 737-400/500

[siljo]

Hello!

I have a sim screening coming up and I would like to prepare for a few hours in simulator before I go to the assessment. Would I have any problems if I practice on 737-400/500 sim and the real screening is done on 737-300? Are there any significant differences in instruments or anything else what may be important for me?


Thank you all!

siljo

[STBYRUD]

Nothing that should be relevant to you if youre not Type Rated and they wanted to check your systems knowledge (if that was the case you wouldn't ask the question ;) ). There are a number of different instrument combinations available though on the classics, there are some which are 100% steam gauge (except the TCAS IVSI) and some that are retrofitted with large LCDs, but usually you can expect the 1980s EFIS, a CRT PFD with a speed tape, an electromechanical ASI, IVSI and altimeter and a CRT ND. Engine instruments might be electromechanical or small LCDs, but that shouldn't matter for the purpose of a sim ride. Size wise, as you probably know, the 500 is the smallest and the 400 the largest model of the series, so even that shouldnt be a factor.

[ClimbSequence]

On the -400 you have 2 recirculation fans whereas the -300/500 have only 1 and therefore makes the whole air conditioning schematic different

[Jane-DoH]

Didn't that play a role in that British Midland crash in 1989 where a 737-400 crashed due to the pilot shutting the wrong engine?

[STBYRUD]

This guy is going for sim screening, I doubt they will ask him about the air conditioning system and the implications of trim air and an extra recirculation fan...

[IFixPlanes]

Didn't that play a role in that British Midland crash in 1989 where a 737-400 crashed due to the pilot shutting the wrong engine?
Yes, the engines on a 737-400 are interchanged :ugh:

[Topper80]

May be interesting:

the airspeed bug setting for approach is:

2 bugs Vref, 1 bugs at Vref+15 (-300/500) Vref+20 (-400), 1 bugs Vclean

The Vref + ___ are for Go Around.

[oceancrosser]

As happens with stretches, when used to the -300, the -400 would land just that fraction of a second before you expected it to. :ooh:

[Nightrider]

Bug speeds as already mentioned, max flaps speeds and I know a few 400s where the xpdr alt info comes from the stby alt....
The 300 with 22k engines is a space shuttle, the 400 with 22k engines in heavy and hot conditions can be a handful if you have a problem on V1....
But both are nice to fly, you will manage.

[BobM2]

No flap 1 takeoff on 400.