ualfurplt

I was trying to gather info on how comfortable the 747 really is. I have flown the 737ng 75/76 a320 L10 DC10 Which would you compare it too?

Would you choose the 747 or the 787?????

Thank you for the help.

pilotgolfer

I only have time in the 747-200...which was about the same crummy seat as the 737. Damned FE panel was in the way. 747-400 would probably be most comparable to the 767 comfort wise.

L-1011 was hands down...the best airplane in your list to fly.

Winston

Well, I haven't been up front in a 787 yet, but I rode the jumpseat in a -400 once. Sat in the La-Z-Boy recliner seat: leg rest up, seat tilted all the way back. The Captain offered me the bunk (we were SFO-ORD), but he had to shout because he was so far away (it wasn't 737-loud, if that's what you're thinking).

I'm pretty sure I lived in a studio apartment in college that had less square footage.

ualfurplt

Well I saw your first landing on the L10!!! HAAAAAAAAAA

Can't decide 787 or 747 I wanted the 787 badly the last few months now I can hold either and have no clue which one...

My buddy told me it is cramped and loud! I was hoping one of our guys would chime in.

ualfurplt

Yes the L10 was by far the best ever!!!!

UAL T38 Phlyer

I flew the 747-100/200 very briefly, and then the -400 for a little more than a year.

The -400 is far roomier than the -200 in general, especially on short legs with only 2 crew.

With 4, it can sometimes be a bit crowded. Lots of meal trays and paper are everywhere when you get up from the second break.

As mentioned, the "Lazy-boy" recliner is nice.

In a control seat, about like a 757 or 767. I flew the Bus after the -400; it was wider and roomier, but not as deep behind you.

Bunks: I can't comment on the 787 bunks. I found the upper bunk on the -400 (that's where the junior guy goes) to be noisy and either freezing or stifling hot. The bunk was designed to be level in "normal" cruise flight, but since speeds have generally been reduced to save fuel, it makes the front of the bunk higher...and due to the taper of the fuselage, it means your feet have to be there.

I found it difficult to sleep in there.

I still describe it as "Majestic." Redline is 0.92 Mach; it was tested to 0.98. IIRC, holds 72,000lbs of fuel in the horizontal stabilizer; 386,000lbs of fuel max. Max taxi weight 878,000; max TO 875,000.

One night, coming back from Narita to SFO, our groundspeed (with 200 kt tailwind) was 720 kts.

That's pretty fast for such a big piece of metal.

pilotgolfer

I would take the 400 while you can and while it's still around. You just blew your cover... There are only 4 people that know about that infamous landing on 33L. I still think the cross wind was a better choice than staring directly into the setting sun.

Scott Stoops

The front two seats are cramped and loud. Very loud.

The rest of the cockpit is spacious but when filled with 4sets of bags and 4 bodies, it can feel cramped. I slept fine in the bunk, but with your feet above your head you have to pee sooner. Stuff some of the extra pillows under the mattress to remedy. Temp control is a bit of an art, so cooler is generally better as you can add layers...

The big issue with the airplane is the upper deck bathroom situation. Bunk is in the cockpit, so you have to coordinate with the upper deck f/as or whoever they can grab if one is on break to put the gate up. Not ideal. Fwiw.

Also, you'll rarely get to fly it after oe, but you'll get to go Denver pretty frequently!

Scott

ualfurplt

Thanks all for the info! I agree on the going away part but the flying and the bunks on the 787 are very good! I am Jr and could be stuck in that top bunk far to long! I was told the noise is bad, but I cannot hear anyway!

I agree the crosswind was the way to go! We hit the runway that in my opinion is a great landing.

Just as a side note mine was in Larnaca and did not even realize I was on the ground. Now of course that was not the outcome of the next 2 landings. The whole city knew I arrived!

krudawg

Well....if you are senior to me - the airplane flies like an anvil and requires constant attention to keep it right side up. The bunk room is like sleeping in a wh&$e house, noisy, lots of banging and lots of doors opening and slamming shut. Avoid this dying bird.
If you are junior to me - it flies like a 767, it's easy to land (as long as you get the 50' call-out) and the creature comforts are, well just OK. The bunk room can be noisy but most guys can sleep well. If you are going to be on reserve; it's the best job you will ever have - bar none. As for International flying it will beat you up but you get use to it. As for reserve, you will be on a first-name basis with the PI's because you will visit TK a lot for landings. Hope this helps