The MAX returns! Read Below to see how SVA will bring back the MAX!
At Southwest Virtual Airlines we are excited for the return of the MAX aircraft to our fleet! We want to assure members that the training program to bring this aircraft back will be in line to accommodate the requirements of the FAA. Our Southwest Leadership Team has reviewed and expressed confidence in the MAX software and training updates following Boeing’s enhancements to the aircraft. We understand that Boeing has made changes to the flight control system that now compares input from two angle of attack sensors as opposed to one. The aircraft will only respond if data from both sensors agree and only activates once per event. Pilots will always have the ability to override the aircraft’s input. These changes have been reviewed and approved by the FAA, and, with these enhancements, we are confident that we will be ready to operate the MAX in accordance with the FAA’s requirements.
How we will Train...
The training of our pilots will begin with members receiving the differences training in an academic setting to get them familiar with the new and improved systems and associated software updates. The training will then move to the aircraft where members will get familiar with the changes on a round robin flight out of Boeing Field (BFI) in Washington. Once the above training has been complete the pilot will be able to begin flying the MAX flights once they return in 2021. Below is a comprehensive overview of the training for the MAX aircraft.
ACADEMICS:
Instructors will go over the Boeing 737 MAX differences in relation to the Boeing 737-7/800. The Instructor will follow the academics discussing the new features and systems associated with the new required software updates to the aircraft directed by both the FAA and Southwest for safe operation. Instructors will go over the FAA documents with students in addition to the academics to ensure full understanding of the updates.
FAMILIARIZATION FLIGHT:
The student should have received the Boeing 737 MAX academics prior to completing this flight. This flight is designed to familiarize students with the changes that the MAX has in comparison to the 737-800.
Flight 1: BFI to BFI Set up: 1:00 Hr Flight: 01:00 Hr Terminate: 0:30m Debrief: 0:30m
The instructor will ensure the student has good working knowledge of the differences of the aircraft. The instructor will walk the student through the differences in the aircraft and how to set up the aircraft with its new functions and features. The instructor will cover the engine start procedures, MCAS, APU, Bleed air system, and additional items the instructor deems necessary. By the completion of this flight, with instructor assistance, the student should know the difference between the MAX and 737-800 and how to operate the new features of the MAX IAW FAA guidance.
Get to know the MAX 8
New features:
CFM LEAP-1B fan with 18-blade, woven carbon-fiber fan blades giving a 69.4 in diameter compared to 61 in. for the 24-blade titanium fans of the CFM56-7. This gives a 9:1 bypass ratio versus 5.1:1 for the older engine. Rated thrust LEAP-1B28: 29,317lbs.
New CFM LEAP-1B custom core with 11-12% reduction in fuel burn and 7% reduction in operating cost.
New engine nacelle and pylon will cause engines to project further forward than CFM56-7BE on 737NG.
Updated EEC software, fuel and pneumatic systems.
Nose gear extension of 15-20cm to give more engine ground clearance.
Minor changes to nose wheel well to accommodate longer nose gear strut.
Fly-by-wire spoiler system - to improve production flow, reduce weight and improve stopping distances.
Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) – Applies nose down stabilizer trim during high AoA flight when the flaps are up and the A/P is not engaged.
Reshaped tailcone to reduce drag giving a 1% reduction in fuel burn.
Advanced technology winglets which feature upward and downward-directed composite airfoils
Widespread structural strengthening (see why below).
Onboard Network System (ONS).
Four 15.1 inch LCD cockpit display screens in landscape orientation.
New electronic bleed air system, allowing for increased optimization of the cabin pressurization and ice protection systems, giving in better fuel burn
PSEU light changed to MAINT
Third AoA source to be added post-MCAS grounding
These features listed above will all be covered in the academic and flight training with a certified flight instructor at southwest virtual airlines.
Interested in learning how to fly the MAX?
Sign up for a training session today!
Comments