Virgin Blue: Aust 737 non-stop distance record
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Binos
Personally, I do not consider it a remarkable feat in today's technologically advanced arena. It is more to do with PR, and Sir Richard is an expert at that.
At any given time, there are many twin-engine airplanes using ETOPS to get from A to B - some with 120min, some with 180min and some now with 207min approvals.
It is really a simple case of operating the aircraft to its approved AFM, as we all try to do. If it is certified and capable of doing it, do it; if not, it becomes a folly.
I am curious to know what flight plan system was used, what ETOPS suitable/adequate airports were nominated, what reserve calculations were used, more so than the dog and pony show of a 737-800 nearly setting a world record.
Personally, I do not consider it a remarkable feat in today's technologically advanced arena. It is more to do with PR, and Sir Richard is an expert at that.
At any given time, there are many twin-engine airplanes using ETOPS to get from A to B - some with 120min, some with 180min and some now with 207min approvals.
It is really a simple case of operating the aircraft to its approved AFM, as we all try to do. If it is certified and capable of doing it, do it; if not, it becomes a folly.
I am curious to know what flight plan system was used, what ETOPS suitable/adequate airports were nominated, what reserve calculations were used, more so than the dog and pony show of a 737-800 nearly setting a world record.
Evertonian
Fair enough. I'm sure it's something to be proud of, but I think the "real" pax carrying flights are the ones to be lauded. Not like the sham QF 747 flight with "extra go juice" in the tanks. I was always impressed by the MK 762 MEL-MRU non stop 14hr nightmare!! <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
BTW, I wonder if 89 came up in conversation on that trip??
(Only kidding!! )
BTW, I wonder if 89 came up in conversation on that trip??
(Only kidding!! )
Buster the B762ER carried a good 72K of fuel and at an average burn of 4k an hour provided an endurance of 18 hours.
No doubt you were aware of the AN ferry of B762ER (VH-RMA at the time I think) by Graeme Stewart from Santa Barbara to BN number of years ago. Surprised a few people at the time by leaving the States with well less than full tanks.
No doubt you were aware of the AN ferry of B762ER (VH-RMA at the time I think) by Graeme Stewart from Santa Barbara to BN number of years ago. Surprised a few people at the time by leaving the States with well less than full tanks.
Evertonian
ooops! Yep, forgot it was an ER. At the time though, I was "reliably" informed by the MK crew that it was the longest scheduled 767 flight...and a bugga to load!!! <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">
Join Date: Oct 1998
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The point of the publicity is that this flight was carried out by what is traditionally a short haul aircraft unlike the 74's and 76's which were built and regularly fly such extended sectors. Indeed only one 737 has ever flown farther in one hop. Just a bit of aviation nostalgia boys.
