Originally Posted by
wiggy
Re large twin and flying level..
Problem is Hans saying "In landing configuration, at a heavy weight right after takeoff, airliners don't have enough power to fly level." isn't really open to misunderstanding, it's a very authoritative statement.
Unfortunately it is factually incorrect for many of the ETOPS twins in many situations, howzever it's manna from heaven for the journos looking for a quick " airliner narrowly missed school because expert says they can't fly level after take-off " type cut and paste....
This is the post and reply I was referring to:
Originally Posted by
misd-agin
Normal gear retraction is as soon as a known, stabilized, rate of climb is achieved. For non pilots that typically confirmed prior to 50' AGL. With an engine failure, unless the plane is very light, the ability of an airliner to accelerate to get rid of flaps (reducing drag) is much tougher. Depending upon weight it might not be possible with the gear down.
In landing configuration, at a heavy weight right after takeoff, airliners don't have enough power to fly level. This was a training event that was introduced to demonstrate that at heavy weights (ie immediate return scenario), even at max power you'd be unable to hold level flight while in landing configuration while single engine. Rule of thumb "no gear down until you're going downhill" (ie descent patth without level offs).
Originally Posted by
4runner
a large jet, isn’t at landing configuration at takeoff. It also is above landing weight if going far enough to change a few time zones or the weather. Thanks for your input cadet.
I felt this reply was unwarranted. The original poster was trying to explain something in simple terms, 4Runner misunderstood (purposely?) and I tried to clarify.
He might have been wrong about the performance, but in every one of my last 3 twin-jet types there was some statement about not flying level in the landing configuration at landing weight, never mind T/O weight. If you can show me a requirement for WB twins to be able to fly level at MGTOW in the landing configuration I will gladly stand corrected.
I personally am not worried about journalist”s using PPRuNe as a source.