Steep Approaches

[3-2-1-Now]

Hi,Does the 737 require a modification to fly steep approaches, or is it simply not certified? I'm thinking approaches such as London City with 5.5 degree glide slope (though I don't think it can get in there as the runway is not long enough).Best regards,Robin.

[michal]

Few aircraft are certified for such approaches, I don't think 737 is one of them.

[JDHK]

Which are the steep approaches?Thanks.Jorge Escobar.

[3-2-1-Now]

According to Gulfstream:http://www.gulfstream.com/news/releases/2010/020210.htm

Several airports worldwide require steep approach certification to land at their facility due to terrain, obstacles or local noise ordinances. They include: Lugano in Switzerland; Sion in Switzerland; Stephenville International in Newfoundland, Canada; Marseille Provence in Marignane, France; and Chambery in Le Viviers du Lac, France.

The omitted LCY, but I think the execs operate into other airports.Best regards,Robin.

[dskviator]

I remember having read somewhere that there were demo flights conducted by a 737 model, I would like to say 200, but I am not sure...will look for it!!EDIT: Found it...http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_23/737-700Bhutan.pdf ( Sorry it is the 737-700)

[3-2-1-Now]

Interesting read - thanks!Best regards,Robin.

[fencer]

According to Gulfstream:http://www.gulfstrea...2010/020210.htmBest regards,Robin.

Hi Robin,Interesting that Gulfstream would mention Marseille Marignane (LFML) as the airport is used regularly by all airliners (including jumbos). The standard glide slope there is around 4° but this is not a problem for most airliners (maybe not for Gulfstreams ?).As far as London City is concerned, British Airways operates 32 seat configured - all business class A318s from there to the US (wih usually a stop over on the way west).Note : the A318 is qualified for final approach with full flaps (flap 4) AND spoilers extended (the spoilers will retract automatically at 50 ft) but that is not enough to land at EGLC. I remember reading an article about the way BA qualified their A318s there but could find it.You may find the following links interesting :http://www.aviationw...0A318%20Flightshttp://en.wikipedia....on_City_AirportHaven't heard of a 737 ever landing there though. Would be interested to know if this has ever been considered.Best regards,Bruno

[Tabs]

There is no specific steep approach mode or package in the NG like there is on some of the A32x variants.

[aentwis]

And I do believe that no 737 version has ever been certified for the 5.5' slope in City. The A318s leaving there for JFK have a stop en route in Shannon to keep their TOW down.I flew on the Embraer 195 into LCY, an interesting experience in many ways. It has a steep approach mode much like the A318, and uses the spoilers on approach all the way in. It has an effect on the cabin volume as well, increasing vibration. The captain even made a specific announcement concerning the system. Andrew

[KCA9304]

And I do believe that no 737 version has ever been certified for the 5.5' slope in City. The A318s leaving there for JFK have a stop en route in Shannon to keep their TOW down.I flew on the Embraer 195 into LCY, an interesting experience in many ways. It has a steep approach mode much like the A318, and uses the spoilers on approach all the way in. It has an effect on the cabin volume as well, increasing vibration. The captain even made a specific announcement concerning the system. Andrew

FBW has it's advantage,so you can tune the flight for the target at hand.Less easy to do that for a 'modernized' 737. Total different airplanes regarding their basic design.Regards,Harry

[3-2-1-Now]

I can't see what is so hard about cracking e.g. 1/4 spoiler in flight manually. It shouldn't be any more difficult than the landing gear to remember.Flaps 40, cracked spoiler and high power sounds like it should work. Remember to flare higher - 100 ft works pretty well in the sim, hitting the TDZ right on the money. How about the mod to enable reverse thrust in the air? Now we're talking short field! Best regards,Robin.

[ESzczesniak]

I can't see what is so hard about cracking e.g. 1/4 spoiler in flight manually. It shouldn't be any more difficult than the landing gear to remember.Flaps 40, cracked spoiler and high power sounds like it should work. Remember to flare higher - 100 ft works pretty well in the sim, hitting the TDZ right on the money. How about the mod to enable reverse thrust in the air? Now we're talking short field! Best regards,Robin.

I don't know what Boeing says about it, but most airline's SOP forbid spoiler deployment in flight once landing configuration is established (or even earlier in some cases). I believe this was supposed to be related to undocumented performance of lift enhancing devices (i.e. flaps and slats) when the spoilers are deployed. Perhaps someone who knows more about the 737 specifically can comment?

[3-2-1-Now]

Hi,I know that on many types, extension of spoilers may not be permitted with any flap, or limited to the amount of flap that is permitted.There are a few reasons I can think of as to why it may not be permitted:1) structural2) as you rightly say - lack of data3) it doesn't make sense for 99% of normal landingsBest regards,Robin.

[victorlima01]

Wanna fly a steep approach, try this:

[masneoquil]

Wanna fly a steep approach, try this:

I did that myself with the Space Shuttle Mission Simulator 2007. Edit: It's impressive. She's landing at 250 Knots!!!!