hikoushi - I agree. Great way to fly the airplane as clean, and efficiently, as possible.
MD83FO - Agreed. S80's, with their high slat extension speed, are easy to slow compared to more modern jets. And when it was replacing the 727's it was considered 'slick'. My, how the mighty, or slick, have fallen.
Old school 727's guys were worried about how slick the S80 was. The recommendation was 210 kts at 20 nm. That's laughable today. Most guys maintain 250 kts until 10(slightly tight) or 15 nm. So we're flying slicker a/c at 250 kts closer and closer.
Drag is fuel. Fuel is expensive. Clean is better.
