I was just wondering, if i know the NG quite well, ie having read the manual back to front, and having done many flights in it, will the 744 be quite alike? E.g. will the FMC be basically the same layout, and the same startup procedures and basically the same overhead layout? Which features are alike and which differ greatly?

Much differentThe overhead is much differentmuch different fmsLook on a.net for some fotos to compare.

They are different since one B744 can eat a 737 and still have room for desert! :) There are numerous differences in the overhead panels and FMC, however, you should have no problem moving up to the queen. The main system sections on the overhead will be different but logical. The cold and dark procedure starts with a check list and include the familiar battery "on", select standby power and start the APU. Bring on line an APU generator (there are 2!). Then hydraulics, fuel pumps (a bit more complicated concerning x-feed operation etc), and bleed air. Programming the FMC will also seem familiar with a few differences that you should have no problem again. Start the IRC alignment process and setup the FMC. The auto engine start procedure is completely automated and you can start two engines at once!! Auto flight will be very familiar (again) with a few exceptions. The biggest difference (for me) is the fight characteristics and preparing properly for all phases of flight (takeoff, approach etc). Many system response are different such as travel time on flaps etc. And many systems are redundant requiring a solid systems knowledge to handle in flight problems!Have fun qualifying!!Bob..

thanks for such a detailed reply Bob, i look forward to learning all these great things - just one more question - how does one align the IRS? is it automated or must you type in co-ordinates manually...

Hi,You can do either, however, the normal alignment process is quite easy and initiated by placing each of the 3 IRS switches to NAV. That's it! Then go to the FMC and enter the airport and gate (if available) in the position init. Copy the co-ordinates to the IRS alignment boxes (using LSK keys) and wait! Very simple!Bob...

However one should also stress similarities. MCP panels, concepts like VNAV PATH/SPD, other autopilot functions are quite similar. Boeing is a Boeing, it ain't Airbus.Michael J.WinXP-Home SP2,AMD64 3500+,Abit AV8,Radeon X800Pro,36GB Raptor,1GB PC3200,Audigy 2http://www.precisionmanuals.com/images/forum/747400.jpghttp://www.hifisim.com/images/asv_beta_member.jpg

>Boeing is a Boeing, it ain't Airbus.Thank God. ;)

>>Boeing is a Boeing, it ain't Airbus.>Thank God. ;)LOL. thanks for all the replies guys