Descend speeds!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
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From: Netherlands
Descend speeds!
Since a few months we started descending always with the same speeds. (290/.84..B747-400ERF). According to the chief pilot it saves fuel.
Since the 747 operates in a wide range of weights I would say the best speed to fly would be the best lift over drag speed and varies with weight and should be optimized every time. Opinions......anyone
Thx
Since the 747 operates in a wide range of weights I would say the best speed to fly would be the best lift over drag speed and varies with weight and should be optimized every time. Opinions......anyone
Thx
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Western USA
In my experience flying the 747, I would adjust the descent point depending on weight. Bgin descent earlier for a heavy airplane and later for a light airplane.
With landing weights varying from 630K down to 400K on the -200's descent rate can change considerably. So (generally) fly the same speed and vary the descent point according to weight to fly a flight-idle descent (ATC/traffic permitting). My game was to save fuel by managing energy. FMS VNAV descents are another story.
With landing weights varying from 630K down to 400K on the -200's descent rate can change considerably. So (generally) fly the same speed and vary the descent point according to weight to fly a flight-idle descent (ATC/traffic permitting). My game was to save fuel by managing energy. FMS VNAV descents are another story.
