Check out these 737-700 climb rates. I take it the next version of the 737-700 shouldn't struggle with getting off the ground at places like KMDW with a full load like the last version did. The link below shows pretty impressive performance out of a hot location like Vegas (temps today were hovering around 98 degrees). I want to get some KMDW data to distances as far as KLAX or KSAN to see how aggressive the climb and speed is to altitude. I know we're looking at step climbing but this is still impressive.http://flightaware.com/live/flight/SWA3424...S/KMDW/tracklogI've never had my 737-700 climbing at 3400fpm at any time during a flight (have any of you?)... :( :(Check out this flight from Dullas to KMDW...http://flightaware.com/live/flight/SWA321/...D/KMDW/tracklogI'll get a Vegas east coast flight and post it for you guys to see. I saw similar performance out of Vegas on a hot day to Baltimore... Note 2,340fpm at 32,700ft with a speed of Mach .75... :(

I may have to stand corrected by some of the data I'm seeing. Looking at this flight it's pretty unrealistic some of the readings their reporting (climb rate of 8,460fpm and a decent rate of -4,560fpm). If I didn't know any better I'd say my six year old son was flying the plane and or there's some serious clear air turbulence going on...http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL2353...D/KDFW/tracklogI still feel the 737NG is an outstanding performer that's fully capable of most of the data Flight Aware is reporting...

This is not unusual. Southwest is a domestic, budget carrier, so their business plan is very sleek and efficient. Southwest does not use any derate thrust. They also go full boar (as safe on the engines as possible) down the runway and can often climb extremely fast at 15 degrees+ on good days. Its more common than you think.

I may have to stand corrected by some of the data I'm seeing. Looking at this flight it's pretty unrealistic some of the readings their reporting (climb rate of 8,460fpm and a decent rate of -4,560fpm). If I didn't know any better I'd say my six year old son was flying the plane and or there's some serious clear air turbulence going on...

Ok to be honest I think the 8000+ fpm climb is indeed a little over the top, as for the 4.5k fpm decent I have to say it kinda sounds like still to be in a civil range (but indeed getting a little marginal :(). But for climbs such a rate is perfectly normal. My last ride on a 738 (and it was an -800, not -7) with only ~20 pax after a nice static take-off would give us a 4000+ fpm climb rate.You might also want to check out a picture found here (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Air-Berlin/Boeing-737-4K5/0114091/L), that might be of interest. Yeah I know, no NG, but I guess that is of no interest here.