MD-80s To Fly With Reduced Air Conditioning??
Aug 10, 2008, 10:32 am
#1
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MD-80s To Fly Without Air Conditioning??
I overheard two FAs talking about this on a flight yesterday. They said that AA was going to drastically reduce the air pressure of the A/C system in MD-80s to save money.
Is this real??
Is this real??
Last edited by JDiver; Aug 10, 2008 at 3:23 pm Reason: edit back in original thread / post title
Aug 10, 2008, 10:44 am
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Aug 10, 2008, 10:59 am
#5
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I don't believe things I hear/overhear from FA's in situations like that. No offense to them, but they gossip more than we do here on FT, and the average FA is probably the last to know the real story.
Aug 10, 2008, 11:03 am
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Unless there's a type-rated MD-80 pilot out there with info to the contrary, this sounds like a groundless rumor. Once the A/C packs are on -- and they're needed for pressurization -- I don't think there's a difference in fuel consumption by raising the cabin altitude, which is normally around 8000 feet at cruise.
Aug 10, 2008, 11:07 am
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Aug 10, 2008, 11:10 am
#8
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No AC = no need for blankets = less weight too.
I don't see why the cabins are always kept at 68 degrees. Bump it up to like 74 but don't completely cut AC.
I don't see why the cabins are always kept at 68 degrees. Bump it up to like 74 but don't completely cut AC.
Aug 10, 2008, 11:13 am
#9
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Most FA rumors turn out to be true, anyway.
Aug 10, 2008, 11:23 am
#10
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How do so many people continue to respond to this guy's threads?? 20 years down the road we're still going to get 30 posts debating whether there are merits to whirledtraveler's 'observations'.
He's just egging you on, everyone.
He's just egging you on, everyone.
Aug 10, 2008, 11:27 am
#11
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I also heard an FA discuss that they will remove 2 of the rear wheels on the MD-88 as rubber costs have increased 27% this quarter alone. There should be no real impact on comfort or safety during take off and landing unless there is an issue with the other tires who have been rethreaded like the bus in Texas this weekend. The margin of error was determined to be roughly 3% only.
It will probably save $1,300 per plane per year.
It will probably save $1,300 per plane per year.
Aug 10, 2008, 11:42 am
#12
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I just looked up the technical specs and operating parameters for A/C systems on the MD-80.
This aircraft is designed to operate with all A/C packs operating at all times. The cabin air is "bled" from the engines upstream of the combustor.
The only advantage to adjusting the bleed valve to decrease air flow to the A/C system, would be a VERY SLIGHT increase in pressure going into the combustor.
While this may theoretically offer slightly increased thrust and fuel savings, the amount would be almost negligible.
I can't see AA flying hot, uncomfortable planes to save a buck or two on a transcon.
This aircraft is designed to operate with all A/C packs operating at all times. The cabin air is "bled" from the engines upstream of the combustor.
The only advantage to adjusting the bleed valve to decrease air flow to the A/C system, would be a VERY SLIGHT increase in pressure going into the combustor.
While this may theoretically offer slightly increased thrust and fuel savings, the amount would be almost negligible.
I can't see AA flying hot, uncomfortable planes to save a buck or two on a transcon.
Aug 10, 2008, 1:42 pm
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DId the FA also tell you they are going to turn off all of the lights on the planes to save energy?
Aug 10, 2008, 1:57 pm
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i hesitate to add fuel to the fire, but leaving mex for dfw on friday afternoon the fa in first told one of the other fas that due to a long roll out they were doing something differn't to the pressureization of the cabin and that the takeoff would be noiser than usual around the doors to the plane (and it was). when we pushed back from the gate and the engines started the ac did not come on as usual and it stayed hot in the plane until we took off and then it started to cool down. in retrospect i should have questioned him more but i assumed it had something to do with a full load and the altitude in mex.