And as for our Aircraft Operating Manual (here), which specifies, nowadays, a maximum approach speed of Vref+5 knots: what a joke, if wind gusts are strong, or turbulence is moderate... and your plane is relatively light and the runway is long and dry, why not add about 5-10 more knots? Nobody can keep the speed within even a few knots of the desired "target speed' in gusty conditions anyway, neither can autothrottles (on a 757). When tower reports that a 737 gained 15 knots at 500 feet, who can guarantee that this can not change quickly to a serious airspeed loss?
I often wonder if the speed limitations to a long concrete (with no tail wind) runway are dictated by our program managers for 1) cross-fleet standardization, 2) to please the FAA's legal requirements (that's all they care about), or because 3) these guys only fly in good weather.
Does anyone else at a US airline have any ideas?
I'm dreading the summer and our pizza-oven cockpits already: the twin-turbofan type from the mid-60s, with turqouise decor. "Just a cup of ice please, styrofoam makes no difference".