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Old 13th Sep 2006, 05:09
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SM4 Pirate
 
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I agree with Scott, over here in Oz, the big local (starting with Q) is econning everywhere, bit of a shock when they first started doing it, also different types had different speeds and implementation dates for econ speeds; so it was rather difficult; 737-400s still go fast (normal)...

Now we are constantly checking for intended speed; cause even with the econ philosophy some aircraft will go fast as the crew index is more important than the fuel, ie running very late and crew running out of duty time.

Where the econ speed will mean missing slots or cause undue delay to others we nominate speeds to fly, everyone knows that it should be accommodated where possible, so we do where possible.

Just make sure that you communicate your intent to ATCs on the job, not just company execs... Also good idea to tell the crew to nominate intended speed to ATC prior to top of descent, reduces the shock value that Scott mentioned; particularly where you have put number two 10NM behind thinking you'll be right.

265K-285K +/-10 seems to be the norm on econ speeds for the big Q; even it's low cost spin off (J*) are doing econ now.
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