Jets.pdf: Handling The Big
"Handling the Big Jets" by D.P. Davies is a foundational 1967 aviation text detailing the distinct flying characteristics of jet transport aircraft compared to propeller-driven planes. The book covers critical areas including engine lag, high-altitude aerodynamics, and landing, serving as a primary training resource for pilots. Access the full text via the Internet Archive Internet Archive Handling the Big Jets by D.P. Davies - PPRuNe Forums
Part 4: Is "Handling the Big Jets.pdf" Still Valid for Modern Fly-by-Wire?
This is the number one question. Does a book written in 1971 apply to an Airbus A380 or a Boeing 787 Dreamliner? Handling the Big Jets.pdf
D.P. Davies' "Handling the Big Jets" is widely considered the "bible" of heavy jet transport aviation. First published in 1967, it remains a critical resource for pilots transitioning from light piston-powered aircraft to large, high-performance turbojets. Core Themes of the Text "Handling the Big Jets" by D
Week 4: The Written Review
- Take the quiz available in the appendix of the PDF (if your scan includes it).
- Write a 500-word summary of "The Three Deadliest Sins of Jet Handling": 1) Over-rotation, 2) Dragging it in with power, 3) Failing to go around.
The book explains:
- Taxi Planning: Plan the taxi route, taking into account the aircraft's size, maneuverability, and any limitations.
- Aircraft Power: Use the correct power settings and thrust reversers (if equipped) to control the aircraft's speed and direction.
- Steering: Use the nosewheel steering system (if equipped) or differential braking to steer the aircraft.
- Clearance and Separation: Maintain safe clearance and separation from other aircraft, vehicles, and obstacles.
To overcome the challenges associated with handling big jets, airlines, ground handlers, and airports must adopt best practices that prioritize safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Some of these best practices include: Take the quiz available in the appendix of
- The aircraft must be fully configured (gear down, flaps set) and on speed early in the final approach.
- "Dive and Drive" techniques suitable for smaller aircraft are lethal in jets.
- Going Around (Missed Approach): Due to engine spool-up time, the decision to go around must be made early. Davies famously emphasizes that "the only thing you run out of in a jet is altitude and ideas at the same time."
- Aircraft performance: Understanding the performance characteristics of the big jets, including their climb rates, turning radii, and stopping distances, is crucial for safe handling.
- Infrastructure capabilities: Ensuring that the airport's infrastructure, including gates, runways, and ground handling equipment, can accommodate the size and weight of big jets.
- Ground handling procedures: Developing and implementing specialized ground handling procedures, including loading and unloading cargo and passengers, is critical for safe and efficient operations.
- Air traffic control procedures: Adjusting air traffic control procedures, including approach and departure routes, to accommodate the unique performance characteristics of big jets.