Burning Question (737)

Why is it, in all the pictures I've ever seen of any version of the 737,
that Boeing STILL doesn't cover up the main wheels?

Maybe the latest model (-800?) does...if so, I stand corrected.

ZW

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

On 05 Oct 2003 03:41:06 GMT Csa751 wrote:

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

It may be broke, but never admit it:

http://www.pulitzer.org/year/1997/beat-reporting/works/737-4/

When jets crash: How Boeing fights to limit liability

The potential costs to a manufacturer are enormous if its product is
blamed for deaths and injuries: millions of dollars to victims and their
families, many millions more if a product must be recalled and fixed,
and the incalculable cost of a damaged reputation.
_______________________________________

Say no more ...

--
_/_/_/ -=jh=-

All that because they don't want to put gear doors on where they're not needed?

Then why bother putting gears doors on ANY aircraft?

What singles out the 737?

ZW



"CSA722" wrote in message
...
All that because they don't want to put gear doors on where they're not
needed?

What difference does it make? It works. Many older recip aircraft didn't have
doors that completely covered the gear. The 737 is just the only jet. (that I
know of). It allows more useable space above the gear wells and is lighter. The
increase in drag doesn't appear to have affected it's performance enough to
matter to the hundreds of operators and there's several less parts to cause
trouble, cost money and decrease reliability. Sounds like a win win situation.

"Zomby Woof" wrote
What singles out the 737?

Although my experience is only in B-707 and B-727 aircraft, one
of the problems that I encountered when doing short-haul operations
in them, was that of brake over-heating. A problem that was
addressed in the Aircraft Operating Manuals and was dealt with by
leaving or putting the gear down longer than normal. Since the
B-737 was intended solely for these types of operations involving
frequent TO and LDGS, short turn-around times and long taxi routes,
perhaps Boeing felt that leaving the wheels uncovered would assist
in the brake cooling problem.

Bob Moore
ATP B-707 B-727
PanAm (retired)

On 2003-10-05 20:15:11 -0700, Zomby Woof said:

?Then why bother putting gears doors on ANY aircraft?

What singles out the 737?

Nothing. The straight wing Citations don't have fully enclosed landing gear either.