737 or Airbus 320

[BTerence]

Not sure which aircraft to bid. Anyone have some pros and cons. Likes and dislikes. Thanks

 

[BEfly]

737. Since you're already typed. Hell, make it easy on yourself. BTW, I know nothing about either of those machines.

 

[Guppiedriver]

It depends on who you're flying for.

 

[reepicheep]

If you're typed and have significant time on the Boeing, the (il)ogic of the Airbus will drive you batty. The autoflight and flight management systems don't think the way North American airline pilots do. Lot's of little gotchas that a Boeing engineer would be fired for. The plusses: It's more roomy, quieter, cooler in summer, with better seats than the 737. If you pick the 'Bus just remember, you're never really "flying" the thing.

 

[Capi_Cafre']

737 or Airbus 320

Straight or Gay?

 

[BTerence]

Thanks for the info. I have no time in the 737 and I accepted a job with United. I have also thought it might be better for the resume to have another type. However it might be easier on me in training if I went 737 because I am already typed

 

[C-17 Driver]

Look at the schedules at United. Look at the Dec bids on Skynet and see how many legs you fly a day w/ the guppy vs the airbus. 2 different types of flying. You will get to the Caribbean in the Bus, not w/ the guppy.

Good luck..

 

[skyslug]

also consider where you'd like to be based. The bus is based almost everywhere while the guppy isn't in LAX or SFO.

 

[contrail67]

Just remember you get a PIC type at United on either aricraft...so you might want a new type?...there will be movement on both aircraft. Bus guys are going home for a longer break after training because they are sooo busy training instructors on the 320. Just remember you are aircraft locked for 3 years, so make sure you take a aircraft that will get you to your desired hub eventually if not immediate.

Good luck to you.

 

[AV80R]

Not sure which aircraft to bid. Anyone have some pros and cons. Likes and dislikes. Thanks

Well, ridin' as a pilot - 737, as a passenger - 320...

 

[Helos2Galaxy]

A 130 seat jet is a 130 seat jet.

Bid which ever will give you the better mix of QOL and pay.

 

[Jet41]

Go to the 737 if you get type, so when you get furloughed you'll be able to go to Southwest.

 

[filejw]

Base sch and type of flying....

 

[snow-back]

Thanks for the info. I have no time in the 737 and I accepted a job with United. I have also thought it might be better for the resume to have another type. However it might be easier on me in training if I went 737 because I am already typed

You've got a job with the majors now...you don't need to worry about that resume...or your logbook.:laugh:

 

[NEDude]

I am typed in the 737 and A320. No time in the 737 though. I have flown with three guys who have significant time in both and am in a crashpad with another - it stands at 3-1 in favor of the bus.

The pros and cons of each according to them:

A320 Pros - MUCH (!!!!!) more comfortable for the pilot (can't be emphasized enough according to them). The cockpit is a nice place to spend several hours. The MCDU (FMS) does a much better job at planning descents and crossing restrictions. No significant differences as far as the pilot is concerned across different models and generations. Better at flying with autothrust on and autopilot off. Apparently the 737 autothrottles struggle a bit when the pilot is handflying. The Airbus does just fine.

A320 Cons - Not as good a performer as the 737. The systems and logic can be a little difficult to adjust to coming from other airplanes. (My note - coming from a background of Beech 1900s, CRJs and a 737 type, I found the A320 very easy to learn.)

B737 Pros - Much better performance. Some models are downright hotrods. The FMS will automatically command a descent when appropriate and selected. Reputation for being tough and well built aircraft.

B737 Cons - Lots of busy work operating simple systems due to 1960s technology. Cramped cockpit and apparently the environmental system up front can be a little lacking on hot days. Due to many genrations and Boeings history of making everything custom for a specific customer, some airlines can have several different variations meaning a lot of different procedures even for one airline (that comes from a CAL guy).

Again, these are comments from guys I know who have experience on both. Not based on my experience.

EDIT- From what I have gathered many guys fly the Airbus completely automated. When you turn the autopilot and autothrust off the airplane flies very well. Coming from the CRJ, the Airbus is a much nicer flying airplane.