I recently flew on an Airbus A340-600 for the 1st time. Pretty cool plane.

I understand the A340-600 is one of the longest commercial jets in service at 75.3m in length.

During a period of sustained turbulence, I began to ponder how much longer passenger jets can be…

Is the maximum possible aircraft length limited more by materials/aeronautical engineering considerations or simple practicalities like the need to taxi around airport tarmacs?

With the proposed plug, the 747-8 is anticipated to surpass this at a length of 76.4m. http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/747-8_facts.html

One of the courses I have done was an intense look into the dynamics of moving structures and how they are monitored/controlled. Some very complicated formulae and theory thats for sure! Off hand, I do remember devices such as accelerometers can measure the vibration of a surface and help counter it.

I would guess it would depend on the origin of the fault. The engine manufacturer supplies the engine with fittings to fuel lines and electrics to control and monitor the performance of the engine. I’m not saying that faults with engines don’t happen but I would tend to think there would be a greater chance of a fault happening on the aircraft side due to the increased number of variables and hence the possible areas for something to go wrong.

I think it is important to realise that even though we have reached a stage of incredible engineering power we cannot predict the full life cycle of parts as there are too many variables to factor in. Many advances have been made from aircraft crashes due to lessons learnt. In this example (the AA and BA engine problems); another lesson may be learnt that will improve further design and operation.

Hi Keltic. I’ve flown the EDI-AKL trip 10 times over twenty odd years to visit family. Some trips have included stops in places including: Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Perth, Sydney and Gold Coast on the way and places like: Fiji, Los Angeles, Hawaii on the way back. Not to get a nights rest, but because if you are booking a ’round the world’ trip it is usually relatively inexpensive to include a stop on the way/on the way back – therefore, if you have time, you get the chance to see another part of the world without paying for a dedicated flight there and back.

None the less, all the trips I have done have included at least one 10+ hour flight at some point and you would like to know how to survive them? First of all, I have done the trip with Singapore (years ago), Qantas, Air NZ, Korean, Malaysian. All, I remember offering a high level of service on long haul. I have flown Air NZ the last few times I have been out because I am very happy with their service and am happy to fly with them. Therefore, I can’t really compare other carriers on this trip now as I don’t know what their product has been like in the last 4 years.

I am only 5’11” so never really have a problem with leg room when sitting down in Cattle Class. There are typically 2 meals served on these long haul flights so you wouldn’t starve. Most carriers now-a-days have seat back PTV so if you are not sleeping there is ample media to keep you entertained. The only issue I ever have on these flights, is that if you want to sleep and only have 1 seat to yourself (sometimes if the flight is under booked you may have a spare seat next to you), finding a comfortable position to sleep in can sometimes be difficult.

The two things I would recommend to people on these flights is: even if you don’t do it to help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis, get up out of your seat a couple of times in the flight to go for a walk around (obviously when they are not serving meals or drinks) – your body will very much appreciate the movement and the stretch and you will feel a lot better because of it. Also, the legacy carriers flying these routes always have ample refreshments for those on board. If everyone is sleeping and you’re still awake watching something on the PTV’s, don’t hesitate to ask for a snack or a beverage (alcoholic or not)!

Two downsides to these trips are: it can be frustrating if you have a baby/young child close to you who is making a bit of a noise, but remember you were that age once also and they can’t really help it – just put your headphones on and listen to something. Also, they cabin crew like everyone to close their blinds at some point so everyone can have a better chance of sleeping. This means that even if you are flying in daylight over scenery, you may not get the chance to have a look out of the window as even lifting a little bit of your blind may illuminate the cabin!

Sorry if that was a bit of an essay! My main point was that I have never been put off flying these routes and neither should you! Just ask if you have any more questions.

Sy

It would be as cabin crew for myself…. shame… looks like im stuck with the British rat race!

Just get shacked up and hitched with some ozzie bird 😀 Or…have you seen the film “Chuck and Larry”? Maybe if you ask (pay) Steve nicely 😉

I could post a few ‘airline images’ here if anyone’s interested….? :rolleyes:

I certainly am! I did like that other thread, I have a link to it somewhere and check it now and then.

I only have a wee (comparitively) collection of about 70 models. Once my flat mate moves out though and I’m done with being a poor student, I might ramp that up and move them all into his room though 😀

Basing any argument on fuselage diameter along with past standards and future standards, I would say the A350XWB will indeed offer greater comfort compared to that of the L1011 even though they offer similar widths.

Why? Because the Tristar was offering bulkier seats (although standard at the time) that took up room and also had (now) aged cabin interior. The XWB will have slimmer seats offering more room per passenger per seat in the same space the Tristar may have offered – all with improved interior such as better lighting and higher humidity.

Lets say, there was no such thing as “suing” someone. There was no system in place to seek financial reimbursement for an event that happened out with your control – however counselling was still offered. Would these folk be able to continue with their lives without receiving money from going to court? Damn right they would!