Hi,Only very recently I started to fly the MD11, although I had it already for a while.Did 3 flights in the Martinair Freigther version. I must say this beauty is a challenge, specifically the AP/ATS system when you are mainly used to a Boeing system ;-)Anyway, what strikes me is the enourmous climb rate after take off, untill let's say FL200.Is it correct that with a TOW of about 200t-210t (440lbs-460lbs) this aircraft climbs easily between 3000 en 4000 ft/min untill FL200?I do realise the 200t is way under the MTOW, but still.Regards,Egbert

Yup,sounds about right.Paul

She's a rocket alright!! :D Sea level to 40,000 ft in 12 minutes last night!!! :D :D :D Only 2 containers for balance, and 45,000 lbs of fuel.Best regards,Robin.

The MD climbs pretty quickly initially, but above 20,000ft she gets really anemic, so you can expect very low climb rates. Time to T/C is usually 14-15min for me.Paul

The MD climbs pretty quickly initially, but above 20,000ft she gets really anemic, so you can expect very low climb rates. Time to T/C is usually 14-15min for me.Paul

What are you talking about if I may ask you, the real plane??Let's say FL 330 in 14 mins- this means an average of 2300ft/min+. Not bad right:-)I have no idea what is changing at FL 200, I have never noticed any significant change out of the ordinary at that point. I am flying the MD-11 for more than a decade.Which engines has your plane, can you back up that statement with some official data?@ Egbert: FL200 in 6 mins with 200 tons is no problem at all!RGDS

Unfortunately, the only MD11 I fly is manufactured by PMDG. Nothing magical happens at FL200, but the rate tends to fall off somewhere around there.Paul

Unfortunately, the only MD11 I fly is manufactured by PMDG. Nothing magical happens at FL200, but the rate tends to fall off somewhere around there.Paul

Hi Paul, thanks for your reply!As for the real plane, you will not notice anything significant at/ above FL 200.

I was still kicking out 10,000 ft/min above FL200. Not short on performance!!Three engines at MCT. I actually exceeded cabin rate, too a few times on the way up.I'm intrigued about the loss of performance you report though. Sure you didn't enter warmer air?Best regards,Robin.

I was still kicking out 10,000 ft/min above FL200. Not short on performance!!

THAT is not normal. Something sounds really fishy. Give us a screenshot of the main panel when that happens.

Hi Paul, thanks for your reply!As for the real plane, you will not notice anything significant at/ above FL 200.

Whereabouts do you fly the real plane?Paul

I was still kicking out 10,000 ft/min above FL200. Not short on performance!!Three engines at MCT. I actually exceeded cabin rate, too a few times on the way up.I'm intrigued about the loss of performance you report though. Sure you didn't enter warmer air?Best regards,Robin.

Something not quite right there, even if you where empty and right up on the overboost stop.RegardsRob

Hi all,Thanks for your replies!It looks this bird is indeed a rocket!Egbert

Hi all,Thanks for your replies!It looks this bird is indeed a rocket!Egbert

Yes it is. As for the PMDG Sim- I usually dont fly that high (do mostly approaches and pattern). I will try if I have time and let you know.RGDS

Something not quite right there, even if you where empty and right up on the overboost stop.RegardsRob

Sure! Give me about 15 minutes + plus load times. :)Best regards,Robin.

Hi Guys,I beat yesterdays record - 10 minutes to 40,000ft. :( I stand corrected - I saw 7,800 ft/min passing FL200. I managed 10,000 ft/min yesterday due to speed management.0 ft to where 300 kts IAS == M0.65, then Mach 0.65 to ~FL270 where 300 kts = M0.75, M0.75 to 40,000 ft.I think I can get it to sub 10 minutes if I lightened the fuel load by 15,000 lbs (so fuel load at engine start = 30,000 lbs). :( Best regards,Robin.

What is the conclusion then? Is the performance too great?Best regards,Robin.