TNT Tupolev 204s - Any Comments?

[LAVDUMPER]

I recently saw a picture of an AirRep Tupolev 204 (a watered-down 757) and it looked pretty cool. I suppose that Russian crews primarily fly them.

Has anyone seen one of these up close or spoken with any of the crews about flying them? The 204s are supposed to be reasonably advanced with a full EFIS deck...

Anyone seen one up close? Any opinions?

. .Cheers

[Flying Spaniard]

is it the Russians who copied uncle Sam or the other way around?. .have a look at this interesting website: <a href="http://www.cockpits.pp.ru/TU-204.html" target="_blank">http://www.cockpits.pp.ru/TU-204.html</a>

<a href="http://www.cockpits.pp.ru/TU-204_334_2.html" target="_blank">http://www.cockpits.pp.ru/TU-204_334_2.html</a>. .the flight deck looks a little like a CRJ bit IMO much modern than a 757.. .Regards

P.S i think they even use a smith's type CDU/FMC

[Hogg]

Looks like a nice machine, like the control column! but not all the blue <img src="cool.gif" border="0">

[Flying Spaniard]

The Russians always have blue in everything <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> . .the TU 214 is also very interesting has extended range and overal performance.. .also has the same engines as the 753. .cheers

[Roc]

Flying Spanaird,

I would hope that the TU-204 looked more "modern" than a 757. First flight of the 757 was in 1982!! commercial service around 1983 or 1984. I believe the TU-204 is just starting to enter commercial service in the past year or two.

[OO-AOG]

I've done a cockpit jumpseat flight (not being a pilot by the way). Indeed it's EFIS but still has a F/E panel (more for employment reasons than technical..). No GPS but 3 INS. Very nice aircraft indeed, operated in cargo configuration with a 3crew cockpit, and additional mechanics (2) and load master, all russian nationals. The rep told me that the cockpit can be configured for english (=not russians) crews without any russian lettering, and of course western engines. . .Very good dispatch reliability. If a company succeed to have it certified under a western AOC, it will be a great seller.