777 in service with AC yet?

[Rockhound]

Just wondering...Has the 777 entered line service yet with Air Canada?
About a week or two ago there was an AC 777 flying around Ottawa, with the pilot playing with the throttles. Anybody know what this was about? Noise abatement tests maybe?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Rockhound

[spitfires rule]

I think its first flight was at the end of March or start of April.

[ea340]

flight training some done at CYOW

[GreatCircle]

77L and 77W both in service.

77L was in CYOW on crew training sortie 2 weeks ago.

[Rockhound]

GC and others,
Thanks. What routes are they flying?
Rockhound

[GreatCircle]

Sorry for the delay in replying...using the triple 7 for capacity on LHR from YYZ - and I suspect to bring us up to par with BA's IFE, as some of the 767s and all the A330/340s on the run still only have main screen in the econo cabin...tonight for example, the LHR run will see an A330, 767, 77W and 77L heading out...

Also find the 777s plying the Asian services...eg NRT and HKG, although the A340-500 still runs into HKG too - for now...

[Married a Canadian]

Yep the 777 to Tokyo is a welcome addition for ATC. Almost scary to watch it climb in relation to the A340! They can be out of noise abatement within 7 miles at times.

[GreatCircle]

You're so right Married....as we both know the A343 doesn't climb at all. It's the curvature of the earth that does the job. Not quite the same, but it reminds me a bit of the old BA Tridents - called the Gripper because it just never wanted to rotate!!

However, compare the old AC 343 and an LH A346 - the A346 climbs a great deal better than the A343, even though it weighs 100 tonnes more...

But with a 777, as you'll know up there in the YYZ tower, we can make 2,000 fpm fully loaded as we head out...

[Married a Canadian]

Great circle

Tower? I wish...a terminal bod me!

We've commented a couple of times to the pilots about the performance on the Long haul.....they seem pleased aswell. It makes life alot easier...especially if you are going via V34 and we can get you above any inbounds from the North without having to take you 15-20 miles West first!

How many more does Air Canada have on order?

[Rockhound]

Thanks, GC!
Rockhound :ok:

[MarkMcC]

Flew YYZ to FRA in one a few weeks ago. Got the upgrade to business and tried out the new 'suites' with the lie-flat beds. Verrrrry nice!!

The bathrooms by the R2 door even have a window!

[GreatCircle]

The beds sure look comfy - but I heard some pax complaining about the recline mechanisms...any comments on that ?

The LED lighting in the cabin is amazing...along with the pee window!

Best bit of all for me...a proper yoke to play with..!

[GreatCircle]

It makes life alot easier...especially if you are going via V34 and we can get you above any inbounds from the North without having to take you 15-20 miles West first!

How many more does Air Canada have on order?

I do miss my 20 mile westerly excursion :}....

7 on fleet right now - 5 77Ws and 2 77Ls. 16 on firm order - split 8 77Ws and 8 77Ls, with a ton of options - 18 is the last number I heard.

When the 78s come on stream in 2010, the A340s all go, and the gradual phasing out of the A330s and finally the 767s...

Only issue i found so far is the auto throttle sampling...apart from that, she's a great machine!

[Vic777]

Ya, the 777 will sure beat an A340 up to 32,000ft.

[Dropp the Pilot]

GreatC:

If by "autothrottle sampling" you are referring to the speed continuing to increase as you come down final you will find it is a design feature.

In gusts and on approach the autothrottle gradually increases the speed which is being maintained to aid in avoiding speeds going much below Vref. Despite what you have bugged, the autothrottle will acquire and maintain anything up to 20 knots above that speed depending on the size of the gusts.

If you are wondering why they are so gun-shy of a low speed state on landing have a look at your FCTM and see what your tail clearance is if you touch down at Vref-15. If memory serves it's about 12 inches........