Boeing Aircraft

Continental Airlines has many new Boeing aircraft on order. The Boeing 787, B-777, and the Boeing 737. As a B737 First Officer, we are qualified to fly all the 737 versions that Continental operates. This includes the B737-300, -500, -700, 800, -900, and the newest -900ER. Over the past two months, we have started taking deliveries of the B737-900ER.The B-737-900ER is big for a 737. In fact, this airplanes actually holds one more person than the Boeing 757-200! It's long, heavy, and fun to fly. It has lots of new technology and I had the opportunity to fly it for the first time yesterday. Tail number N37413.

My first impression was it's exactly like the B737-900. However, after sitting in my seat, I noticed quite a few differences. The most noticeable was the standby instruments. They are now integrated into one electronic display instead of 3 separate instruments. The autopilot had more functionality as we were now given control over altitude and speed intervention during vertical navigation climbs and descents and one of my favorites is the ability to see a profile view of your flight plan and the terrain underneath you.

Our flight yesterday took us from Newark (KEWR) to Ft. Lauderdale (KFLL) and back. It was a nice day to work a day trip to Florida as the weather from the previous day in EWR had moved out and there was a break before thunderstorms were to move into EWR for the evening rush hour. Our departure early in the morning and I was flying with a captain who recently turned 60 and was taking advantage of the new FAA regulation that allows pilots to fly beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 that used to be the norm.

I flew the first leg to KFLL and the route of flight took us over land until we reached Wilmington,
North Carolina and then over water until we reached KFLL. It was an uneventful takeoff and climb out. The airplane flew great and responded quickly to my inputs. After studying about the new technology the company provided us, I was anxious to put it to good use too. It worked as advertised and was a welcome addition to our cockpit resources.

My first experience with the B737-900ER was wonderful. It was smooth and responsive and the new technology was outstanding. As we prepared for the flight home, I commented to the captain that it was a great plane to fly.

Newarks weather had cleared up and on the descent it was cloudy with winds gusting up to 35 mph. It was perfect weather conditions to test the aircrafts ability to fly such a heavy load in very gusty wind. These conditions are challenging for any pilot, but a new aircraft and a heavy load added to the stress of this arrival. This flight also found us holding for 20 minutes for volume and gusty winds so air traffic control could space aircraft out further due to the weather conditions.

We finally turned and lined up with runway 22R in EWR and were given clearance from air traffic control to land. The captain did a fantastic job and the aircraft flew as expected . The touchdown and rollout were excellent despite the heavy winds. We taxied to our gate and cleaned up the aircraft for the next crew. This plane was headed back to KFLL for another turn this evening while the captain and I went home for some much needed rest.

The new technology of the Boeing 737-900Er is a welcome addition to the Continental Airlines Fleet. While we fly mostly new aircraft, the privilege of flying a brand new airplane that is still under warranty is always exciting. Thanks for reading, check back often!

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Chirag C Doshi
chirag.rikhav@gmail.com