For the Boeing guys...

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE236/history/20120209/2100Z/KBFI/KBFI

 

That's pretty cool. Impressive range. Must have been getting low on fuel by the time they landed.

 

I don't think I could stand being cooped up in a plane 19 hours without having a sleeping berth and plenty of things to occupy my time.

IIRC, a few years ago the 777-200ER did a direct flight to Malasia using the "circle" route EAST (not over the pole) non-stop that lasted 18+ hours.

It also received upgraded ETOPS to 330 minutes recently.
Currently it can fly between any two points on the globe non-stop.

I find the advances in aviation in the last 20 years pretty amazing.

 

I think the longest I've flown is Osaka to Amsterdam at 13:30.

On a side note, I'll be going to Boeing in early April for 747-8 training. I think it's only a 3 day course. No simulator, just differences ground school. We (NCA) plan to operate the -8 starting in September.

Lou

 

Give me and Spasso a call! I'm about 5 miles from PAE and Spasso works there.

 

That would be great. I'll PM you when the time comes.

 

Up to 43,000ft - would the 787 go that high in normal service?

 

Probably if it had to or wanted to. The max ceiling for a B-17 was 41,000 feet. Piece of cake for a -8.

 

Oh, I figured it "could" do it, was just wondering if that would be something done during normal service.

Also noticed 605 knots at one point @ 39,000 ft. Isn't that above the speed of sound?

 

Given the amount of maneuvering they were doing, flightaware could have gotten confused.

Also, 605 knots groundspeed (which is what flightaware shows) is not unreasonable. If they were doing Mach 0.85 (about 470 true) and had a 135 knot tailwind, there is your 605.

 

For many years my longest flight was a 12.8 in an A-10!

 

That's a few piddle packs...

 

When we were doing the qual testing on the FDAI lighting, 43,100 feet was the value we'd use for explosive decompression, high altitude and a host of other tests.

It can easily get to that altitude.

That's quite a flight...

 

Thai Airways uses A340-500s for their LAX-BKK and originally used them also on a JFK-BKK run. Long, long flight. Blocked for the passengers on the LAX-BKK as 17:30 but it is usually ahead of schedule. Never has made money and their cargo ability is minimal. Have done the HFK once and the LAX bunches of times. No idea how anyone in coach can stand it.

Singapore also uses the A340-500 for their LAX run. All lay flat with about 100 pax. Slightly longer run than the BKK flight.

I have heard of there being the LAX-DXB using a -500 or a 777-200LR. Don't know how it compares on flight duration but it should be right up there too.

There are some 787s that have been sold for VIP use. With the limited pax count that will be typical they are talking of New York -Austailia capability.

Jeff

 

Emirates just started a SEA-DXB in a 777-200LR but I am thinking they are going over the pole for this.
Still a long flight.

They are taking delivery of their 102nd 777 here shortly (Line #1000).
Some are Freighters and -300's
They have 50 more on order.
Mind boggling to say the least.

 

Yep, and I still feel proud to have had a hand in the development of that airplane some 22 years ago. Hard to believe that it has been that long.

 

This Thursday, I'm doing Emirates SFO-DXB that's an indicated 15 hours. In coach. But I've got my Bose headphones and an aisle seat.
Its long but figure its better than going SFO-ORD-DXB.

3 quick days to install two 458 interiors and then back on the plane....

My ticket says 777-300ER. I wanted to make sure I had the plane right and I see its actually 15 hours 40 minutes. And the return flight is 16H! Holy Crap!

Who talked me into this trip? Oh wait.... me!

 

That's a LONG time in coach. Wow.
I don't think I could do it.
Hopefully you can find a place to stretch out.

 

Hell of a flight...

Funny, a friend just asked me yesterday what private jet I would want if I couldn't select a Gulfstream. I told him the 787 - VIP.

Lou, good luck with the training. I'd love to go up to Boeing some time.

 

IIRC there is an Attendant Rest Module above the center stow bins in the very back of the -300 that holds 10 or 12 bunks. It is accessed through a "closet" door on the LH side back by the aft Galley.

Maybe you can sneak up there and visit the alternate crew for a few hours.

 

Ditto for me (19-21 years ago). Has it really been that long?

 

I'll try and see if I can work my charm so I can go to the ARM.
Hopefully its not too full.... I'll be looking for that empty row and grab the three seats.
And my wife thinks I'm getting a vacation!

I did around the world a few years ago (SanFran->Japan->Korea->HongKong->Belgium->Chicago->SanFran) in 2 weeks. That was a long trip too!

Best thing ever invented for the long flights though are the Bose (insert your preferred brand here)noise canceling headphones. I find flights much less tiresome when there isn't the constant droning.