Code:
It should indeed be routine to select MCT during cruise (B737NG). Check the bulletins section of your volume 1.
I'll save you the time... These are the headlines. For the background, have a look in the manual for yourself:
Subject:
Reduced Engine Response Times
Reason:
This bulletin informs 737NG flight crews of slow engine acceleration following thrust reduction at cruise altitude due to a recent EEC software update. The bulletin provides suggested techniques to help prevent excessive airspeed loss.
Operating Instructions
Pilots may want to use the following techniques to avoid excessive speed loss due to slow engine acceleration:
1. Use the autopilot and autothrottle as much as possible.
2. When established at cruise altitude, manually select either CLB or CONT on the FMC N1 Limit page. This will ensure maximum available thrust.
Kramer,
What does it mean 'may want to use the following techniques to avoid...'
Would you suggest that slow engine acceleration (understand it as loss of speed and AT correction is not acceptable due to your low speed margin) is an every day problem?are you flying every day at such an altitude that requires you to use this TECHNIQUE?
In cruise,the thrust setting should be CRZ unless you need MCT until you either decide to descend or if acceptable to wait for the turbulence to reduce..
Routine is what it is ...Standard thrust setting for cruise is CRZ.
Non routine technique described in your post.