What will become of the retiring QF 743's?

[Bernie P]

Hey everyone,
With regards to these 743's and apart from age, what is the main reason for them going 'tech' so often, and why would another operator want them if it means the same problems are transfered as well?

Thoughts/comments?

[NickN]

Maybe after the D Check and some work they will go on to live long lives. There are plenty of older aircraft out there still working just fine. And seeing Qantas does (Did?) have such a great reputation for maintenance etc many airlines would be queing to buy their 743's over the same model run by less reputable carriers.

Plus as previously mentioned the Qantas 743's are all fitted out well for IFE.

[Brenden S]

The aircraft are built for LONG haul, not short Haul. The quick turn arounds and minimal maintenance to keep them going (ie applying MEL's etc) has taken its toll. However now that they are "resting" more they seem to be getting better.

[Bernie P]

Originally Posted by Brenden S

The aircraft are built for LONG haul, not short Haul. The quick turn arounds and minimal maintenance to keep them going (ie applying MEL's etc) has taken its toll. However now that they are "resting" more they seem to be getting better.

So simply put, they are going tech due to overuse and minimal turn around times leading to a lack of checks? Rather than an inherint underlining problem?

Also, is there a time when 'LONG HAUL' applies? greater than 4 hours or more??

[Bruce Bramwell]

Originally Posted by Bernie P

So simply put, they are going tech due to overuse and minimal turn around times leading to a lack of checks? Rather than an inherint underlining problem?

Also, is there a time when 'LONG HAUL' applies? greater than 4 hours or more??

Although any aircraft that are built for long haul can be used for short haul. However its how the aircraft is used that plays a huge amount in how the aircraft operates. In QF case they have been 'flogged' knowning that they a.c would be retired shortly

[Brenden S]

With the A330's going to Jetstar QF had to use something in its place, that was the 747-300's as Jetstar took over some of the QF intl routes where the 747-300's were flying. Unfortunately when they started on the domestic runs with the short turn around times us engineers couldn't fix up to many defects that the aircraft had, so we deferred those defects iaw the maintenance manual and DDG (MEL book) Once the defects start building up you start getting no dispatch problems where you have to fix a fault to allow another permissible un-serviceability to be put on hold. Its all perfectly legal and within the manuals that Boeing have put into place. There is plenty of checks, there is just not enough time to fix all the problems.

[Chris Roope]

Originally Posted by Bernie P

Also, is there a time when 'LONG HAUL' applies? greater than 4 hours or more??

Where does a shorthaul flight end and a longhaul flight begin? Ah yes, Amsterdam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SwECTyXaA4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xp6ryKn0v5o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4LLPWRac0Y

[Adam P.]

"Before every flight, either the captain or the first officer carries out an analysis of the aircraft's technical condition... by walking around it, and looking at it".

Pure gold, Mr Roope!!!

[Edward Terry]

Thanks, Chris!! I've been looking for this video for years!

[NickN]

Thats a fantastic video!

A few of my favourite quotes......

"Flying is 99% boredom and 1% sheer terror"



"Are the engines alright?

We'll find out when we start it"



"See that little aircraft there?

If I press this button here on the control column I can shoot it down!

Don't do that!!!"


There were hundreds of others but those were great.