B737-800 Flap speeds
Our FCOM contains a phrase: Select Flaps passing through the minimum flap speed on the speed tape. This reduces wear on the flap tracks. Using Flaps as speedbrakes is not recommended"
We operate into an first world airport with third world ATC somewhere in the south of Europe where a visual approach is offered when some 7-8000 above profile. Now we are big boys and have no problem asking or demanding more track miles if needed, that is not the question. The technique I have seen is: LVL CHG, Speedbrake out, speed 230 Kts, Gear down at 260Kts (Max Speed -270kts), Flaps 1 and 5 at 245Kts (Max speed 250Kts). This produces a very steep descent rate and we can regain the profile before 10 miles final.
The max flap speed is 250Kts for 1 and 5 and the minimum clean is 210 kts. We did not breach any aircraft limitations. But is it good practice to operate the aircraft just inside the flap and gear limitations like that?
Last edited by Telstar; 20th May 2007 at 10:06.