Question for 737NG operators, especially Southwest..
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Europe
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Question for 737NG operators, especially Southwest..
I was just wondering why this aircraft does not have VNAV + SPD & ALT Intervent buttons.. Any reason for leaving them out?
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/760665/L/
thanks,
EightsOnPylons
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/760665/L/
thanks,
EightsOnPylons
Last edited by EightsOnPylons; 21st Jan 2005 at 23:57.
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Here
Posts: 1,015
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think Southwest wanted to retain cominality with the rest of their B737 fleet. I belive that their B737-300s/500s also don't have VNAV and Autothrust also. Manual thrust all the way in Southwest Airlines!
I prosume that this saves the airline money. So they have their B737NG flight decks set up similar to the classics.
Air Europa, GOL and Kenya Airways are 3 of many airlines to go with the "Classic" B737NG EFIS layout. Albeit that there aircraft have VNAV and A/T!
Hope that could be of use from a aviation novice!
Cheers
BAe 146
I prosume that this saves the airline money. So they have their B737NG flight decks set up similar to the classics.
Air Europa, GOL and Kenya Airways are 3 of many airlines to go with the "Classic" B737NG EFIS layout. Albeit that there aircraft have VNAV and A/T!
Hope that could be of use from a aviation novice!
Cheers
BAe 146
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Bothell WA
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was just wondering why this aircraft does not have VNAV + SPD & ALT Intervent buttons.. Any reason for leaving them out?
Ten years ago we added the HUD. Eight years ago we added LNAV. You will also notice in that picture that their is no EFIS. We just made it look like the -300.
We just retired our last -200 on 17 January. Maybe we will see EFIS, VNAV and A/T some day.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flying an NG without EFIS installed would be quite tedious, don't you think? Especially for CM2... 
Seriously, aren't you referring to the PFD/ND display mode?
Regarding the absence of A/T and VNAV - SW says its cheaper, but is it really? I mean, a computer (this may sound harsh) can set thrust much more precise than a human! (ok maybe not in cruise....)
The whole point of introducing the cost index system was to fly the aircraft as efficient as possible.
Or do you set different cruise speeds for every single flight?
Regards,
Mark
Seriously, aren't you referring to the PFD/ND display mode?
Regarding the absence of A/T and VNAV - SW says its cheaper, but is it really? I mean, a computer (this may sound harsh) can set thrust much more precise than a human! (ok maybe not in cruise....)
The whole point of introducing the cost index system was to fly the aircraft as efficient as possible.
Or do you set different cruise speeds for every single flight?
Regards,
Mark
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Bothell WA
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seriously, aren't you referring to the PFD/ND display mode?
We set the power manually and fly pitch with CWS, Vert Speed, or LVL Change. We fly the speeds in the FMC. We do not use Autobrakes. RTO only. No Autoland. Hand flown Cat IIIa approaches with the HGS (HUD).
TR4A, there appears to be some confusion from your unusual definition of EFIS. I understand that most “glass / flat panel” flight decks are “Electronic Flight Instrument display Systems”, the display formats can vary from strip speed/linear side scales to analogue dial formats.
The SW installation uses the alternative analogue format, which for some opinions are better instruments. E.g the airspeed indicator has a longer scale length and gives improved speed awareness due to the angular pointer, and together these features improve the rate of change cues; there are similar arguments for the altimeter.
The commonality with other fleet aircraft and training issues are positive safety benefits that other operators should note.
Now, if only SW could take note of the airspeed scale more appropriately on final approach, and not expect a reading when taxing!! :-)
The SW installation uses the alternative analogue format, which for some opinions are better instruments. E.g the airspeed indicator has a longer scale length and gives improved speed awareness due to the angular pointer, and together these features improve the rate of change cues; there are similar arguments for the altimeter.
The commonality with other fleet aircraft and training issues are positive safety benefits that other operators should note.
Now, if only SW could take note of the airspeed scale more appropriately on final approach, and not expect a reading when taxing!! :-)
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Bothell WA
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TR4A, there appears to be some confusion from your unusual definition of EFIS. I understand that most “glass / flat panel” flight decks are “Electronic Flight Instrument display Systems”, the display formats can vary from strip speed/linear side scales to analogue dial formats.
Now, if only SW could take note of the airspeed scale more appropriately on final approach, and not expect a reading when taxing!! :-)
