Question for 170 drivers

[n757st]

I was jumpseating the other day on a 170 and was suprised to find how terrible the pressurization system was on this airplane. When we rotated we got a huge pressure spike, and every 10 minutes or so my ears would pop in cruise and you could hear air rushing in. I am just curious if this is normal for the 170, or if the airplane I was on was having some sort of issue with the cabin pressure controller or something else. Otherwise the airplane was very comfortable and quiet. Thanks.

 

[n757st]

no 170 pilots around today... bueller?

 

[BlackPilot628]

I haven't really ever seen a problem with the pressurization system. Occasionally, It spikes when you start an engine.

 

[FR8mastr]

I have seen some very minor variations occasionally, but nothing bad. My guess that individual one was having problems. which carrier?

 

[Jack Mehoff]

nice attempt at humor...but not nice enough.

 

[1973Arrow]

...glad to hear they let you on that flight. Wasn't quite sure if you made it or not...

 

[Nameless]

I was jumpseating the other day on a 170 and was suprised to find how terrible the pressurization system was on this airplane. When we rotated we got a huge pressure spike, and every 10 minutes or so my ears would pop in cruise and you could hear air rushing in. I am just curious if this is normal for the 170, or if the airplane I was on was having some sort of issue with the cabin pressure controller or something else. Otherwise the airplane was very comfortable and quiet. Thanks.

Do you expect different?

The airplane is made in the jungle by people that don't know how to use toilet paper.

 

[RampTower]

Do you expect different?

The airplane is made in the jungle by people that don't know how to use toilet paper.

Ouch......

 

[Steveair]

You mean the E-180?

The 170 is still having the bugs worked out from what I've heard. It's earned the nickname the E-180 since it's had to go back to the gate so much.

 

[Marko Ramius]

Why do pilots always find stuff like this so surprising?

The 170 is still having the bugs worked out from what I've heard. It's earned the nickname the E-180 since it's had to go back to the gate so much.

We're talking about pretty large, complex pieces of machinery here not a Kia. New airplanes have bugs and glitches in both the design and in-service introduction phase. This is the natural consequence of airlines/pilots wanting new technology to replace or improve upon the old. Planes like the original 747, DC-10, A320, L1011, 340, MD-11, D328, 777, CRJ, ERJ, etc have all gone through it-in the case of the DC-10 there were grave consequences. Most of those aircraft went on to enjoy great commercial sucess, and were/are loved by the crews that operate them. Most of the written and anectdotal pilot opinions on the E-170's seems to be that it's an excellent plane with some teething problems. Given that it's being flown by a cross-section of people from those who possibly haven't flown any other jet to those who have flown multiple types of comprable mainline style a/c, I'd bet it turns out be a pretty well liked bird by those who fly it over the years. Ahhh, I'm sure someone will find a way to turn this into a payrate discussion anyway, so what's the point?

 

[trainer8]

Of 170's and such

I was jumpseating the other day on a 170 and was suprised to find how terrible the pressurization system was on this airplane. When we rotated we got a huge pressure spike, and every 10 minutes or so my ears would pop in cruise and you could hear air rushing in. I am just curious if this is normal for the 170, or if the airplane I was on was having some sort of issue with the cabin pressure controller or something else. Otherwise the airplane was very comfortable and quiet. Thanks.

Once a common problem but becoming less and less. Depending on the ECS configuration and other unknown variables, the packs will auto shut-off on the take-off. I've seen some ships have a single or both bleeds fail on take off. It is all software driven. Each subsequent load fixes some problems and creates others.

One thing I have noticed on the E170 is that when decending, the high press/low press valves cycle depending on the thrust setting which is dynamic at times due to the Auto-throttle, especially at level off. THAT is where I notice the cabin spikes and it is aggrevating.

By the way, a salute to the MDA guys who pretty much have single handedly made the aircraft a success. It is unforunate that they have lost their arbitration. They are a fine bunch to work with.

T8

 

[PapaGiorgio]

I commute on the 170 quite a bit and have noticed pressure changes throughout the flight on some aircraft. So do all the screaming babies that I always seem to sit next to. Some aircraft I can't notice any change and others it can be very noticable. I also notice that in cruise the pax windows seem to ice up a bit more than other aircraft. But it still a great ride though.

 

[BlackPilot628]

The windows to ice up very bad on the E170. I mean, just caked on there.

 

[n757st]

I have seen some very minor variations occasionally, but nothing bad. My guess that individual one was having problems. which carrier?

It was MDA.. great crew, nice people.

Thanks for all the answers everyone, I guess it was not just me. Hopefully for the passengers in back this issue will eventually be corrected.

 

[FR8mastr]

It was MDA.. great crew, nice people.

Thanks for all the answers everyone, I guess it was not just me. Hopefully for the passengers in back this issue will eventually be corrected.

You dont happen to remember the N# do you? If I get into it again before furlough I can look in the logbook to see if anything has been written up on it.

 

[Jack Mehoff]

nice attempt at humor...but not nice enough.

weak man just weak

 

[n757st]

You dont happen to remember the N# do you? If I get into it again before furlough I can look in the logbook to see if anything has been written up on it.

Sorry, no idea. I am sure during the next 2 weeks I will be on a 170, so I will have to check it out again and see if it was an isolated experience.