What does Roger Bacon know?
In this week's (21-27 January) Flight International Straight & Level "Roger Bacon" under the heading "From Boeing 737 MMEL list" asks the following:
"Gear Retraction Braking System. May be inoperative provided:
a) After take off, landing gear remains extended for two minutes before retraction.
b) Take-off performance is based on Landing Gear Extended.
Err… has there ever been a Take-off performance with the gear retracted? asks Nephew Charles Aufranc. It might shorten the landing run, but on take off?"
Are we really in a situation where those who write about aviation know little about it?
Should we have to explain to Roger Bacon about Take Off Performance and second segment climbs - or should he know about it?
Or should we leave him to display his ignorance to the world?
And this for a column that has an annual quiz of esoteric aviation questions.
Am I being hard on a "Jorno"?