Often, I find the use or need of applying the speed brakes to decel, this is in an non AP mode or with just LNAV, at what speed are speed brakes inoperable ? It seems I can call them to action even at or above 280 KIAS, this can't be right...the aircraft would shudder something fierce, correct ?puzzled ?

NWB009,On our 757s, the only "limitation" we have concerning use of the speed brakes is that they cannot be extended below 800' AGL.Does this mean we extend them at the higher speeds? Not if we can help it...you are exactly correct in your assumption that the shudder is indeed "something fierce". Experienced passengers will understand what all the noise and shaking is about, but I try to taylor my handling of the aircraft around those that wouldn't. The big problem with the 757 of course, is that the airfoil and engine are so superbly mated (I would guess the 767 "suffers" from the same thing). It is (at times) very difficult to make some of ATCs crossing restrictions (late getting the clearance, asking you to descend and slow down at the same time, etc), so you're left with no choice but to deploy them...usually trying to slow to under 300 kias will help with the shudder.I've noticed during almost six years flying this wonderful machine, that you will rarely go an entire day (usually two or three legs) and not see them used.....:Dtake care,BBall-------------------Capt. William "BBall" BallBoeing 757, Northwest AirlinesSenior Editorwww.frugalsworld.com

NWB...You may not be aware that, in the air, the spoilers do not deploy as much as they do on the ground (Even though the handle moves just as far).For example, the outboard spoilers only move to 45 degrees as opposed to 60 degrees (and one outboard panel on each wing does not move at all in the air). The inboards only move 17 degrees in the air.Also, there may not be a necessity to put the speedbrakes to max deflection every time you use them ;-)Cheers.Ian.

NWB009,Ian makes a very good point....one that I should have mentioned. We very seldom deploy the speedbrakes fully, I find that roughly half seems to do the trick most times.(thanks Ian) :)BBall------------------Capt. William "BBall" BallBoeing 757, Northwest AirlinesSenior Editorwww.frugalsworld.com

Capt.BBall, you are a wealth of knowledge! Best Wishes, Randy Smith

While passenger comfort is a consideration, the over-riding concern is the safety of the operation.If you need to use full speed-brakes at 330kts, then you do so!If this happens over and over... then maybe you'll be thinking there could be a problem with your technique or use of VNAV, remember that while VNAV is good, it often stuffs up (in non-pegasus aircraft anyway), and sometimes is just so far off the mark it isn't funny! At all times you must support what VNAV is telling you with your own calculations of height/distance/speed, to ensure you are on profile the whole way down.

Not only that, he's fun to fly trips with. :-lol (Don't worry Bill I won't talk about the layovers if you don't):-)Ed Weber a.k.a tallpilot/Cap'n Tall

Couldn't agree more. There are people out there that believe using speedbrakes is a wimpy excuse for covering up your bad descent planning. There's even a "joke" where the controller asks why the pilot won't use the speed brakes in his rapid descent and the pilot responds by saying the speedbrakes are to cover up for his own mistakes, not ATC's mistakes.Since ATC will always screw up your descent planning at a busy period into a busy airfield, use 'em when you need 'em. And even with full deployment of the speedbrakes, it can still be impossible to do if they suddenly change runways on you and you're suddenly 5000 feet high.. :)Iz

LOL...Ed, my life is "an open book"....well, maybe not that open.I do remember one particular layover in Paris. It was my "going away" trip for I was headed to the schoolhouse for my first Captains check out (on the B727). Sherm C. was leading the other crew, and you Ed were our fearless leader (am I correct?). Lots of "cheer", lots of "intermingling" between the crews....great time. (that's all my attorney will allow me to say :D)BBall-----------------Capt. William "BBall" BallBoeing 757, Northwest AirlinesSenior Editorwww.frugalsworld.com

Yes I'll fess up it was I, but I don't know about being the leader. :-) My recolections of that layover have become a little foggy over the years (and if you believe that I have a bridge out here that I'll sell you) but I seem to remember a piece of furniture in the hallway the next morning. (uh, the statute of limitations has run out on this incident hasn't it? ):-lolTake care,Ed Weber a.k.a tallpilot/Cap'n Tall

in my flightcase, DTW bagroom by noon, nobody says nuttingKeeping my head down and my mouth shut. Tim757("I saw nothing, nothing, everyone out for Roll Call and crew van")

Sooooooo,It is "all about the Benjamins", eh?I knew it....Oh, and Ed, I vaguely remember me asking for Sherm's captains hat for my going away present (I knew it was in pristine shape, I had flown with "Shermie" many, many times, and never once saw it on his nappy little grey afro). Somehow it became the object of lots of attention, and all at once it was flung out the window! Poor French basta*d...probably walking along, minding his own business, and "PLOP" right on his head, an airline hat lands! LOL...BBall--------------Capt. William "BBall" BallBoeing 757, Northwest AirlinesSenior Editorwww.frugalsworld.com

Hey Cap'n Ball,Don't you go knockin curly hair do's now. :-lol (but I've gone straight now):-)Ed Weber a.k.a tallpilot/Cap'n Tall