AirTran Guys - 717 vs. 737-700

[Jet41]

Guys

If there's anyone that has flown both 717 and 737-700, I'm curious how the two differ in flying characteristics and level of automation.

Thanks

 

[Captjiggles]

Da 717 keeps it gangsta all the way playa!

 

[c9skytrain]

The 717 is much more automated from hearing from all of the griping CAs that are coming over to the 737. As far as flying them, I can only compare the DC-9 and the 737 which is close enough to a 717/737 comparison. 737 is easier to land, but the Douglas model is more fun to fly, IMO.

 

[ATLboeing]

Jet41,

Not sure what phase you're in (pre/post interview), but hope this helps. Whatever you do, I wouldn't put off a class date trying to get one plane or the other. A guy in my interview group did that and lost 2 months seniority thinking he would get the 73. He still got 71.
As far as the flying, I'm sure you're a qualified guy so no worries, right The 717 is beautiful. No turning hyd pumps on, gens, etc. Set it and forget it. If a switch is in the wrong position, the a/c will tell you.
The 737, well you have to throw some switches yourself, so what's so bad about that?
On the 71 I can fly pretty much all month and not overnight outside the Eastern time zone. You'll get some jet lag on the 737. The seats on the 71 suck, more comfy on the 73.
Either way, don't pass up a class date with hopes of getting a particular a/c.
Happy Holidays

 

[CitationLover]

do you guys have the pads for the cockpit seats on the 717? they add about 1 hour before your cheeks are numb.

 

[freightdogfred]

they add about 1 hour before your cheeks are numb.

Sure it ain't kneepads yer using?

 

[PCL_128]

do you guys have the pads for the cockpit seats on the 717? they add about 1 hour before your cheeks are numb.

Nope. Hurts like a motherf----- after the first leg or two. I'd still rather put up with it than have to do 4-hour legs, though.

 

[CitationLover]

Sure it ain't kneepads yer using?

that and the goggles, my name is roger murdock, i'm an airline pilot.

tell me freightdogfred, you ever seen a turkish prison? do you like gladiator movies?

 

[FlyAirtran]

Jet41,
The seats on the 71 suck, more comfy on the 73.

Maybe. But in the summertime I would much rather be sitting in the back of a 717 on the ramp with that nice Gasper fan blowing. I swear sometimes there isnt any air AT ALL blowing out of those eyeball vents on the 737.

717 Rocks from a pilot perspective! Single-engine Cat III autoland baby! imp:

 

[TV9Driver]

they pay the same, so who cares... it's just an airplane.

 

[Jet41]

they pay the same, so who cares... it's just an airplane.

Can't read? Who says I have an interest in AirTran? AirTran operates both, the only airline to fly both, seems a logical group of guys to ask such a question.

 

[TV9Driver]

I read and re-read the post, just to make sure I wasn't missing someing (since I just learned how to read yesterday) and I still come back to my original answer....

who cares, they pay the same. It's just an airplane. I'd rather fly a c172 at $100/hr than a B747 at $60/hr. Being an airline pilot is more about the size of the career (pay, benefits, lifestyle, stability etc.) not the size of the airplane.

 

[-9Capt]

The seats on the 71 suck,

Write 'em up at a Mx base and they'll bring out new cushions. Makes a huge difference.

 

[Jet41]

I read and re-read the post, just to make sure I wasn't missing someing (since I just learned how to read yesterday) and I still come back to my original answer....

who cares, they pay the same. It's just an airplane. I'd rather fly a c172 at $100/hr than a B747 at $60/hr. Being an airline pilot is more about the size of the career (pay, benefits, lifestyle, stability etc.) not the size of the airplane.

Looks like you need to go back to school. What does my question have to do with pay?

 

[TV9Driver]

obviously you are missing my point....

your question has nothing to do with pay, and that was my point.

 

[Kharma Police]

Guys

If there's anyone that has flown both 717 and 737-700, I'm curious how the two differ in flying characteristics and level of automation.

Thanks

I have not flown the 737 just the 717 but from what I've heard from transitioning pilots is that at first they miss the level of automation in the 717 but enjoy the change in destinations (ie going west of the Mississippi). The 737 has bigger cockpit but has a lot more wind noise than the 717. The 737 has a better wing but from what I've heard you can't get away as easily being behind in a descent as the McBoeing. The 717 is a great aircraft that really watches out for us imperfect humans.

 

[Jet41]

obviously you are missing my point....

your question has nothing to do with pay, and that was my point.

and your point has nothing to do with the question, so unless you can address the question as it's written why answer? I could care less about your point.

 

[UALX727]

Jet41.

I have flown both and this is what I can tell you, some of which has already been said:

717: technically more advanced, less to do on a leg by leg basis (switch throwing), smarter bird (tells you if you forgot to throw a switch on/off), shorter legs, more legs per day on most trips, trips generally are higher paying, mostly east coast stuff, heavier on the control wheel, generally more difficult to land nice consistently than the 737, smaller towns, more stand-up type flying

737: advanced (but not to the 717 level), more work per leg(not a whole lot) but less legs per day, west coast flying, seats are better, flies lighter on the wheel, lands easier in my opinion, better experience for the resume (737), IAN approaches (essentially take a non-precision and make it like a precision- no more dive and drive, although it can be flown that way as well), red-eye flying.

Both aircraft are great, you cannot fly either one and not like it.

 

[Jet41]

Many Thanks