Did you know that Southwest orders its planes without Auto Throttle and VNAV? I hear that yesterday and thought that was kinda interesting. HOw do they do it?!Brad

No A/T means no VNAV available of course, they do it to harmonise with the older 737s in the fleet which have no A/T or VNAV (the -200s?).I hear they now are getting a/c with this kit.You can fly these aircraft without A/T of course (if u/s, for example), but it's hard work for those used to the luxury!

Well it's not bad to be reminded from time to time that YOU must FLY an aircraft! :D(OK, my apologies to everyone! the old-school (ie. B727) lover delerium stops here! :) )

It can't be that hard. They can still use LVL CHG up and down, right? I'm sure they have a pretty good idea of what N1 value to use for various phases of flight.Lee Hetherington (KBED)

Just a question... Why would they need to remove A/T from new 737s to make it just a little closer to a 737 oldtimer? Is it really that hard for pilots to learn how to use A/T?

There are a few reasons for this, all the pilots are type rated for the classics and NGs. I think SWA says "if its been good this long why change what works good" or words to that effect ;).............[h4]Best Wishes,Randy J. Smithhttp://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/betaimg.jpg

Not to mention they probably have to pay a little less for the machines too when they come without A/T

every little penny counts!:)Mark