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With new engines, aerodynamic and cockpit modifications and a re-tuned flight control system, the latest version of Boeing's 737 adds up to more than the sum of its parts
I flew on Southwest Airlines Flight 1389 into Albuquerque International airport on the first leg towards evaluating Boeing's newest model, the 737 Max 8 - its follow-on to the 737NG. Southwest is a launch customer for the latest model, so before heading out to Boeing's hangar in Roswell, New Mexico, I talked with the flight crew about what they wanted and expected in the new aircraft. They emphasised a requirement for minimal training, because their airline's efficiency relies on a common airframe rating. But, like most pilots, they wanted to see an upgraded, dark cockpit concept that other Boeing aircraftpossess. While they may not get the dark cockpit for which they hoped, those pilots and others certainly will not be disappointed with the 737 Max 8.
The day I flew the Max was a busy one for Boeing. As we walked through our pre-flight checks, the company's test pilot and my longtime friend, Keith Otsuka, announced that his team had just started the take-offroll in the 737 Max 9 version of the aircraftI was about to fly. Indeed, it had been a fast-paced month for Boeing, as the company had just celebrated the 50th year of the 737 line and the maiden flight which marked that anniversary on 9 April 1967. The aircraftturned out to be the best-selling commercial type of all time, with more than 9,400 sold. So I was excited to fly the 737 Max.
The aircraftfor our evaluation flight was tail number A003 (registration number N8703J), which was instrumented and fitted with water ballast tanks. Associated flight test displays in the passenger cabin were active and in use during our flight, for safety monitoring. This aircraftwas in Roswell completing landing performance testing on an ungrooved runway. The previous day's testing had resulted in some brake damage, which meant that our flight was in jeopardy of being cancelled. Fortunately, the maintenance crew had worked hard overnight to repair the damage, and we were set to go.
While waiting for my turn in the cockpit, I talked with the test pilot of that flight,...