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A320 handling vs B737

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Old 10th Jun 2007, 00:39
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A320 handling vs B737

For those who flew both:

Is the A320 easier, nicer, to fly than the 737?

Do you miss your previous plane?

Why?
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 08:27
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Although not on 737 I am on 757.

Having spent 8 years on A320/330, I am a big fan. Loved it. Now have command on 757, also a great bit of kit(now my scan is back up to speed), especially for first command. Nice to see what inputs are happening from the other seat.

Best thing about the airbus (and the thing I miss most) has to be the table.
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 10:19
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I've had the pleasure to fly both I I think the 320 is a more pleasant environment to spend the day, and the benefit of a table should not be dismissed The 320 is also quieter in the flightdeck. On ballance I'd rather be in the 320 with the exception of a gusty crosswindy sort of day, or, God forbid, a total hydraulic or electrical failure.

Both great aeroplanes and a pleasure to fly.
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 16:48
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Wow...two sensible answers...phew
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 17:45
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If you are a button pusher the airbus is by far the better option. If stick and rudder is your thing choose for boeing.
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 18:47
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^
^
Yes that's right Sarah. Not much more needs to be said.
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 19:16
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Oh...Sarah!! I think your pprune name sums it up really. A very naive statement me thinks.

What would you classify a button-pusher!
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 19:57
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Naive if you want, but based on 6000 hrs on the 737 and 5000 on the airbus! Less naive than judging somebody on her name me thinks!
I was just pointing out the difference as I see it, and believe me I saw a lot! Your personal attack is a bit misplaced.

Last edited by sarah737; 11th Jun 2007 at 20:46.
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 20:39
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I see where you're coming from Sarah.

Going to the Boeing is like going back to flying as I used to know it (I was 250hr cadet straight onto A320), and I have to say i'm really enjoying it. But you can still enjoy flying the Airbus, I would regularly take out the autopilot and autothrottle, and fly visual circuits to various Greek airfields etc.
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 20:50
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I did not say you can't fly the airbus manually.
I said: if you prefer using the automatics you will enjoy the airbus more, if you prefer stick and rudder the boeing will give you more satisfaction. So the choice is yours, just sharing my experience.
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Old 11th Jun 2007, 21:01
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Sarah

Don't take it to heart.....I think your choice of 'button pusher' was not the best 'term of phrase' to use.

DTG

ps...as far as judging on the name..fair point
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Old 12th Jun 2007, 09:35
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Never tell an Airbus pilot they're button-pushers..it really winds them up.I do agree though that table is really neat and that is what is important after all.
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Old 12th Jun 2007, 09:53
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I'm proud to be a "Button pusher", doesn't hurt my feelings.
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Old 13th Jun 2007, 16:11
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just came off 737 to A320/1, I actually miss the 737 and would move back to it in the morning.

Whilst the airbus is a nice enviorment, the 321 in particular is a pain. Flap retraction at heavy weights? poor climb performance etc Whilst i appreciate its heavier than the 737-700, its not an enjoyable to fly, for me!

I will move to 330 in next few months, people say its a lot nicer than the smaller airbus? true?
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Old 13th Jun 2007, 16:25
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245,

The 321 is a pain for lots of reasons (wing too small, for a start).

Don't believe the brochures. The 330 is not a big 320; it is just fabulous.

Completely different, as well.
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Old 13th Jun 2007, 16:26
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If you don't enjoy the A321 you will hate the A330, just my 2 cents.
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Old 13th Jun 2007, 17:30
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Either plane is fine. Boeing vs Airbus is a religious war for some, but it is just a tool. Each has their advantages. The airbus is definately a nicer working environment. The Air Con actually works and you are not stuffed into what was the cockpit designed in the 50's for the KC 135. ( Yes that is the 707 nose still). The lack of air con that works may not be a factor in the UK but other places it certainly is. You can handfly either plane and have a good time. Boeing more pleasant in a crosswind or an upset would be better. FMC and mode control panel better in the Boeing. Table damn nice to eat on in the Bus. Bus is quieter and more comfortable.
The best choice? Fly whichever gets you the best schedule, layovers and the most time off.
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Old 13th Jun 2007, 18:30
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The Air Con is a lot improved on the Ng,maybe a bit too much...you can't really hear the engines anymore
And you are not flying manually the Bus ,you are c-w-steering it, is it not true? And no feedback on the controls ,also...
Different technology, both great machines, but a different approach to flying..
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Old 14th Jun 2007, 02:09
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Alexban, true, I do not get a real satisfaction when hand flying the Airbus because there is no feedback , just a lower level of automation with auto trimming.
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Old 14th Jun 2007, 02:42
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Airbus still feels like an airplane unless you are really yanking and banking. And you don't do that with pax onboard. The Boeing is artificial feel the airbus is springs. DC 9 was nicer than both to hand fly.
Again, days off quality of the trips etc matter much more than the minor differences.
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