PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - BD705 MAN-ORD Going with Cargo Hold Panels missing
Old 27th May 2008, 13:12
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FlexibleResponse
 
Join Date: May 2002
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Hi modelcuirstudios,

Airliners are designed to operate safely with a surprising and sometimes almost alarming number of panels and other bits and pieces missing. The manufacturer specifies what bits can be missing and what (if any) performance penalties may be incurred. Penalties might include reduction in max allowable T/O weight, or increased drag which requires a percentage increase in fuel burn, or whatever.

I think one of the strangest sights is to see an airliner operating with just one winglet intact and the other completely missing.

Keep up the good work and keep in mind the highly professional engineering that goes into keeping airliners airbourne.
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