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Thread: 744 or MD11?
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Old 21st Nov 2011, 10:06
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747400CA
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Asia
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IMHO no comparison

4 years F/O MD-11 followed (some time later) by 13 years captain B744

I miss the look, feel, and quiet of the MD-11 cockpit

I do not miss the clumsy FMS transactions or inadequate crew rest facility

As for LSAS when a manual landing in gusting or cross winds is required - be as careful and wary as you would in the company of a mistress (or wife lol) who you just gave some bad news

I always said the MD-11 rewarded a smooth and competent pilot, but could hurt you if you were having a bad day

Not so the B744

If one could ascribe personality traits to a huge chunk of steel and aluminum, I would describe the machine as being much like your favorite golden retriever dog

It is obedient and happily does what you tell it to do

It tolerates your foibles and is - usually - very forgiving of your errors

If it does not like what you are doing, it will let you know well in advance before issuing a low growl or a small bite

Despite the good heart, it has - as mentioned above - a limited brain that occasionally needs time to think before responding to multiple commands

All in all, a trusting and trustworthy companion

After so many years, I find the most difficult part of flying the B744 to be the number of time zones in a month, and the inexperienced F/Os (as little as 2 years total time) that bear watching

The airplane itself is a piece of cake

One last thought - another type rating on your resume never hurts

Lots of contracts out there for B744 crew members too

Unless the move would significantly and adversely affect your present quality of life - or your colleagues on the B744 are complaining loudly about their monthly rosters - I would recommend a 'yea' to training

Good luck
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