A330 Departure EGPF - Interesting
Was at a point app 5.0 miles from the threshold of 05 this morning, place called Mugdock Park when a Thomas Cook 330 departed. They are always interesting departures. The aeroplane emerged over the trees at my vantage point, app 1800 feet, gear down, virtually flat climb, with landing lights all still on. High ground in front, pulled into a left climbing turn, began raising the gear and lumbered away. Certainly looked entertaining!. Did anyone else witness this?
Question, if for any reason climb performance was inadequate in an Airbus 330, would the crew leave the gear down to minimise drag on poor climb performance?