Boeing 737
The Boeing 737 series is a cornerstone of the Wheels Airlines fleet. Known for its versatility and efficiency, it operates short- and medium-haul routes across our network. Our virtual fleet includes NG and MAX variants to cover a wide range of missions.
Quick Actions
Flight Tools
Variants in VA
- 737-800 (NG) — workhorse; short/medium routes; 160–180 pax typical.
- 737-700 (NG) — lighter; great for performance-limited airports.
- 737 MAX 8 — improved range/fuel burn; similar payload to -800.
Use aircraft-specific performance if provided by your add-on. Figures below are rules of thumb.
Key Specs (typical)
| Item | 737-700 | 737-800 | MAX 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTOW | 70 t | 79 t | 82 t |
| MLW | 58 t | 66 t | 70 t |
| Typical Range | 3,200 nm | 3,000 nm | 3,500+ nm |
| Cruise | M 0.78–0.79 (Cost Index dependent) | ||
Performance Planning — Quick Cheats
- Cost Index: 10–30 for efficiency; 50–80 for schedule.
- Climb: 250 KIAS to 10,000 ft then 300 KIAS → Mach .74–.76.
- Descent: TOD ≈ (Altitude to lose × 3) nm + 10 nm buffer. Target Mach .74/ 290 KIAS.
- Flaps for Takeoff: 1/5/15 as required. Use 5 as default; 15 for short/contaminated.
- Landing: Flaps 30 normal (40 for short/steep). VREF + 5 knots (wind additive as needed).
| Weight (t) | VREF30 (kts) | Approach (kts) |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 135 | 140–145 |
| 62 | 140 | 145–150 |
| 66 | 145 | 150–155 |
Numbers above are representative for a -800. Always cross-check with your FMS/QRH.
Cold & Dark → Taxi (10-Step Flow)
- Power: EXT PWR or APU ON, IRS to NAV, align.
- Init: FMS POS INIT → PERF → RTE; set Cost Index and reserves.
- Fuel & Payload: Load per OFP; verify CG within limits.
- Departure Brief: SID, initial altitude, EO procedure.
- Push & Start: Beacon ON; packs OFF if needed; start sequence 2 then 1.
- After Start: Gens ON, packs AUTO, probe heat ON, flaps set for TO.
- Controls: Full and free; trim per FMS; rudder trim zero.
- Taxi: Taxi light ON; A/T ARM, LNAV/VNAV armed as applicable.
- Before TO: Cabin ready; transponder TA/RA; takeoff briefing reviewed.
- Line Up: Strobes ON; runway verified; TOGA set.
Common Sim Tips
- Autothrottle: Don’t move hardware throttles after TOGA; let A/T manage N1.
- VNAV: If it won’t descend, check DRAG REQUIRED and speed brakes; set lower MCP altitude.
- ILS: Arm APP after LOC alive; for dual-channel autoland use both CMD A & B.
- Crosswind: Max demonstrated ~33 kt (dry). Use decrab on flare; spoilers deploy on main gear touchdown.