If you know what the cruise speed or level of a particular type is, you can instantly spot a mistake on the flightplan in front of you....which might be linked to a mistake in the aircraft type flying that service....which might be a different vortex category.....which might kill everyone in the smaller type you've just vectored close behind it. Okay an extreme example, but FPL errors etc do occur, and some things jump out at you if you've a good awareness of the general performance of different types.
Plus as a tower ATCO you might appreciate that although a B752 and a B732 have vaguely similar cruise speeds and levels, the 75 will massively outperform the 73 in the climb if allowed to. Another useful thing to know, to avoid embarassing yourself in the departures position....
Plus, don't start TMA departure controllers on the Airbus 340 at maximum departure weights......
And in answer to the original list of different types, the MD80 series can be identified from the engine noise being loud enough at departure, to make your eyes bleed.
seriously though, good luck, it's a grand job!
Last edited by NudgingSteel; 29th September 2006 at 21:15.
Reason: A340!