737-700

(louis) wrote in message . com...
Hi,

Recently I was in a 737-700 during my trip. I noticed that the
landing speed was quite high. Anyone know what the normal landing
speed is for this aircraft?
Also, I noticed that there was another way to slow down the aircraft
after touching down. Was it reverse thrust of the engines? I am
confused because reverse thrust would cause engine overheating (that
is, there would be no air flowing through the engine but pushed out by
the reverse pitch of the blades).

Louis

Louis,

Lots of things can cause a high groundspeed at touchdown. Many
airlines use reduced flap settings (for mtc savings and x-winds) and
bug up to 20kts on top of the "normal speed" for things like wind
gusts and shears. Or you could have had a ten knot tailwind. A flaps
up procedure if they are jammed, can result in an approach speed of up
to 160 kts on some widebodies. Most engines now use the "cascade"
type-reverser (developed by a mechanic from Western Airlines,) as
opposed to old-style clamshell reverser doors (Alas, I really miss
those old midevil mousetraps...) Overheating due to bad airflow was a
problem in the P&W JT9D-70A. EGT would take off without warning in
reverse sometimes and the S/O was authorized to reach up and announce
that he was "Shuting down number X" engine to save the companys' five
million dollar engine. But new engines have better stall/surge
performance. About 140kts was a typical speed for the 737-200.

pacplyer