Biddleonia007 From Australia, joined May 2006, 14 posts, RR: 0 Posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Please excuse me if this topic has been posted before, I couldn't find anything under the old posts.
My question is, I have in the last 12 months flown Airbus 320 with Air NZ and Jetstar, and Boeing 737-800 with Virgin Blue on flights from Mel to Christchurch and also Mel to Coolangatta and return. All have been 2-3 hour flights. The turbulence over the Southern Alps was extraordinary and the AirNZ Airbus did not handle it well.
Also, the Gold Coast airport is often very windy with storms blowing through, i have found the Boeing handled these well.
After flying both planes, my preference seems to be the Boeing with the winglets as they seem to ride turbulence much better. Is this due to wider wings, weigyht, or winglets or what. My experience with the Airbus is anytime turbulence is hit, the plane seemed to "bounce" around more.
Aviator27 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Where you sit on the airplane has an effect on how much "turbulence" you perceive. The farther you away you sit from the center of gravity the greater the moment. The aft section of any airplane is always worse.
That being said, the A320 flight control computers gives a smoother flight control input limiting the load to 1.0 G. Also there is the load alleviation function, although this is optional. Lockheed had something similar on their L1011, which was awesome, if you could get the airplane off the ground. Boeing is planning to install this system in the B787 while calling it "cutting edge".
Osiris30 From Barbados, joined Sep 2006, 3175 posts, RR: 29 Reply 4, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
If I'm not mistaken isn't the wing on the 737 a little less stiff and therefore able to absorb a little more turbulence, without transferring it to the body of the airliner?
I don't care what you think of my opinion. It's my opinion, so have a nice day :)
Jimbobjoe From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 627 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting Aviator27 (Reply 2): Also there is the load alleviation function, although this is optional.
Do you know which carriers have chosen the option?
AA737-823 From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 4856 posts, RR: 13 Reply 6, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
I am a diehard Boeing fan, and not a fan of Airbus, BUT...
I suspect that the A320 has the capability of a smoother ride.
Load Alleviation Function. The above poster said it is optional- that was not my prior understanding. I am under the impression that it's integrated into all of the normal law flight conditions of the FMC. I believe it is deactivated any time the ship goes into alternate or direct law, but that's another story.
Anyhow, the aircraft uses the onboard accelerometers the sense vertical G loading, and deploys the ailerons in symmetry to compensate. If you hit an upgust, the ailerons will both pop up, to ease the acceleration. In a downgust, the ailerons will drop, increasing lift and easing the acceleration.
It's pretty cool, and I have to give Airbus big credit for it. Even my prized 777 does not, to my knowledge, incorporate such a feature.
That said, I've been on quite a few A32X flights, as well as 737NG, and have not found either to be noticeably different from the other in terms of "riding out the storm" so to speak.
Nzrich From New Zealand, joined Dec 2005, 1441 posts, RR: 2 Reply 7, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days ago) and read 32767 times:
Hi ive had some really rough rides on a 737 and as i crew on the A320 on the trans tasman flights they are usually pretty smooth.. If its bad on a A320 it will be just as rough on a 737...
As for the southern alps on a bad day that trip is bad and i have had a shocking trip as crew on a 767 300er ..The southern alps can just make the trip a lot more fun..
Widebody From Ireland, joined Aug 2000, 1148 posts, RR: 10 Reply 8, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days ago) and read 32767 times:
Having flown on a brand new Ryanair 737-800 yesterday followed by a brand new Easyjet A319, I was amazed by the advances in engine noise reduction and handling on both of them. My own perception however was that the A319 was a slight cut above the 737-800. Both of them went through the same average turbulence out of the same airport. Again my own perception.
VEEREF From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days ago) and read 32767 times:
I've had flights on both without so much as a ripple. I've also had my ass handed to me on both types as well.
Once the turbulence gets to a certain intensity, it really doesn't matter what you're sitting in.
Though being in the very aft section does tend to magnify whatever type of roughness you happen to be caught up in.
Bottom line however is that turbulence is at most an uncomfortable experience. Almost never is it a physical danger to the aircraft. Just make sure you have your seatbelt on when you are sitting in your seat and you'll be fine.
PADSpot From Germany, joined Jan 2005, 1676 posts, RR: 6 Reply 10, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 2 days ago) and read 32767 times:
I am not talking about turbolances, but regarding noise I always found Boeing narrow bodies less noisier than Airbus narrow bodies. And in my opinion its mainly the aircon that is really load on smaller Airbusses. It's funny that it is the other way around on wide bodies ...
Scarebus03 From Ireland, joined Apr 2005, 268 posts, RR: 2 Reply 12, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting AA737-823 (Reply 6): Load Alleviation Function. The above poster said it is optional- that was not my prior understanding. I am under the impression that it's integrated into all of the normal law flight conditions of the FMC. I believe it is deactivated any time the ship goes into alternate or direct law, but that's another story.
The A320 is no longer built with the LAF (load alleviation function) and much of the older aircraft have had it removed. It doesn't serve any function for normal turbulence.
FFlyer From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 732 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
This has been discussed earlier, and one additional point was mentioned then; the older planes and designs have a less efficient wing, which doesn't react that easily at least to smaller changes in airflow. A newer wing (320, 738) has more lift in upgusts, when an older wing (MD80, 732 etc.) will just go through it. I don't know about 320 vs. 738, but the older a/c handles the turbulence better. In my mind, the MD80 -series is the best in that respect.
ChiGB1973 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 1574 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
If the 738 is equipped with those huge winglets, it is more bumpy than those tiny A-320 winglets.
I am sure this is mainly during a crosswind landing or take-off. In cruise, I doubt they make too much of a difference, though I am sure a bit.
I think the 738 is awesome. Having worked for TZ, I am probably a bit biased.
F22KA From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 17, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
I've flown Airbus 320, 321 and Boeing 737-300/700 on 3 to 5 hrs. flights. Boeing has definitely impressed me.
I have also flown IAD - MUC in a 777 and MUC - IAD in a 333, again Boeing is the one that has given me a pleasant experience.
I am looking forward to the 380. This one might be able to change my perception of Airbus.
That's my story, I am definitely sticking to it.
DZ09 From United States of America, joined Sep 2006, 480 posts, RR: 1 Reply 18, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Maybe it's just me, but I always get dizzy when flying in an A320 (19 &21).
Dakota123 From United States of America, joined Aug 2006, 101 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting F22KA (Reply 17): Maybe it's just me, but I always get dizzy when flying in an A320 (19 &21).
Wouldn't say that it makes me dizzy, but to me the 737 has a more solid ride, more quickly damped. The A318 especially feels like it wallows more. Dutch roll is noticeable when sitting in back.
This isn't A bashing, I never cared for the odd motions of the 747 either.
Gearup From Canada, joined Dec 2000, 578 posts, RR: 1 Reply 21, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
Quoting Widebody (Reply 8): Having flown on a brand new Ryanair 737-800 yesterday followed by a brand new Easyjet A319, I was amazed by the advances in engine noise reduction and handling on both of them. My own perception however was that the A319 was a slight cut above the 737-800. Both of them went through the same average turbulence out of the same airport. Again my own perception.
Where were you seated on the aircraft? I was on a Ryanair 738 on it's third revenue flight seated in the last row on the right side. The noise was terrible. As soon as the aircraft began it's takeoff I thought that there was no sound-proofing on it at all! I had just transferred from an A310-300 seated in the same relative position with respect to the engines. Night and day! Of course MOL might have ordered his 738's with reduced sound-proofing to compliment the seats that don't recline, the windows with no blinds and that disgusting yellow and blue plastic everywhere. I was left with a bad impression of the 738. Return journey was a 732, ah! much better...
Aapilot2b From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 562 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
I've been in both A320s and 737s in turbulence and in calm... can't say that there is much difference. There are so many factors that go in to this that one would have to have the aircraft passing through identical environments to make a judgement. I will say however, the smoothest flight that I have ever been on was a long haul, winglet equipped 737 flight (Italy to USA with a stop in the Azores). Coincidence? Probably.... though I never grew tired of looking out the window at those beautiful winglets.
CYatUK From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2006, 764 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (5 years 6 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 32767 times:
The only way you can distinguish is to be able to "measure" turbulence and test both planes under the same conditions - this is IMPOSSIBLE so whatever is said on this forum its just perception and personal preference.
Personally I prefer Aribus for its cabin and feel.
CY@Uk
25 Kaneporta1: The purpose of the load alleviation function was to protect the aircraft in case of overstressing the wings, by instantly deploying the ailerons and
26 Tommy767: I've flown on 738s a whole bunch of times and have experienced minimal turbulence. However, I do believe that you do feel more if you happen to be sit
27 Boysteve: This was a cost reducing exercise! And that is just a sense of romance!
28 KLMA330: I agree. It's more "airy" in a 320. A 737 feels like a beast though. They're both great jets. Recently, in one trip I flew in 737 320 319 cRJ and DC9
29 FlyDreamliner: where you sit on the plane and what the air is like will make a much larger difference than whether it is a 737 or A320. The smoothest flight I've eve
30 Jcf5002: Let me just preface my comments by saying that I am a die-hard B fan. Partly for national pride, partly because I like the engineering style more, and
31 Trevd: No one is imaging it, the A320 series has noticeably less lateral stability than the 737 family. Any lateral upset takes quite a bit longer to dampen
32 TheSonntag: I always have the impression that Airbus has smoother takeoffs, probably because FBW... But on the other hand, the hardest landing I have ever had was
33 747400sp: I have on both many of time and it hard to compair. But that extra foot of width on and A320 and to comfort, and this coming from a Boeing fan. PS: A
34 HorizonGirl: I have found that the 738 is a little smoother than the A320, so I'll take the A320. Devon
36 Sabena332: Judging by the flight logbook on your A.net profile you've never been on a B738, how can you give an opinion here? As for me -> I prefer the A32X ser
37 TrijetsRMissed: I think you have a point there. I second that. I have been bounced around in every narrow body on one flight or another, (yes even the A320 with its
38 Lucky42: I spoke to an A320 Capt for NW after a particularly windy day with the pax getting off the a/c puking and I was doing my checks and asked the capt ou
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