Hey gang, I'm not an ATPL but want to resolve a very difficult mission for a Boeing 737-200-9 from a very limited 4,490ft (1347m) runway flying 265nm. The divert airfield is en-route and almost directly under the track to final destination.
Distance from take off airport to divert field is 207nm.
According to ICAO Annex 6 (4.3.6.3) The 732 would need to lift off with fuel to reach destination+3% extra en route fuel, shoot two approaches, divert back to diversionary field (58nm) plus fuel for 30 mins at holding speed.
Question: For B737-200-9 arriving overhead destination at 37,045kg weight, what is a reasonable holding speed and what would fuel burn be for that holding speed at say 2,000ft ?
Question: Using dispatch techniques can total fuel reserves be reduced by redispatch at an en-route decision point in the air ?
For example soon after take off establishing if the final destination is open and if necessary deciding early to divert to the airport only 207nm away ?
I estimate the fuel required for the ICAO Annex 6 (4.3.6.3) plan are as follows : taxi 200kg; APU 60kg; En-route fuel 1650kg; IFR reserve 1875kg.
What I am asking is first of all have I over calculated the holding speed fuel (because I calculate that at normal 420 knot cruise) and secondly can the IFR reserve laefully be reduced to give better payload from originating runway ?
In anticipation of a drubbing thanks for your answers.
