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Technical manuals are typically written in a style which provides an
analytical, dry description of an inanimate, complex device describing
the workings of that device. Most of these manuals have also proven to
be a quite effective sleep aid.
The benumbing effects of a technical manual are difficult for a
writer to mitigate but Chris Brady has created an interesting reading
experience with “The Boeing 737 Technical Guide.” Captain Brady, a
Boeing 737 maintenance test pilot for Europe’s EasyJet Airlines, not
only beautifully describes the technical aspects of each model of the
737 but a chronicle of the aircraft as well. In his words, “This book is
a plain English, illustrated, technical guide, intended to fill in the
gaps left by existing publications.”
A detailed history of the 737 grabs the reader’s interest immediately
before delving into the systems descriptions. Design issues such as
where to put the engines are described providing insight into the
various dilemmas facing Boeing Engineers. “Instead of mounting the
engines away from the wing on struts, why not mount them hard against
the underside of the wing itself?” Systems descriptions are written in a
manner that not only leaves the reader more knowledgeable but with an
understanding as to why the systems were designed the way they were and
their evolutions through the various models of the aircraft. These
descriptions are accompanied by schematics and a wealth of black and
white photos of control panels and aircraft structures. System
limitations are also presented as are various operational idiosyncrasies
that the author has experienced in his rich 737 experience. In
describing the speed trim system, for example, Captain Brady explains
how the Pilot’s desire for zero stick force may conflict with the speed
trim functionality, a frustration that can only be described by a Pilot
that has experienced it. A type rating exam with answers to the
questions is provided followed by a maintenance test flight guide. There
is even a section dedicated to the 737 rudder which came under great
scrutiny following a couple of fatal accidents.
The manual is nicely rounded out with detailed descriptions of
hull-loses and accidents many with a probable-cause included. Captain
Brady provides statistics but follows those with a perspective. “There
have been 122 737 hull-losses, including 8 hijackings/bombings and 9
ground accidents. This may sound high, but remember that over 5000 737s
have been built since 1967. This gives a 2.5% accident rate or approx 3
per year or one every 2.5 million flight hours. Furthermore, over 40% of
occupants survive fatal 737 accidents.”
At the conclusion of the manual the reader will not only have enjoyed
their journey through a very interesting book but also have a good
understanding of the technical operation of the 737, “large” aircraft
systems design, and a thorough knowledge of the history of the world’s
best selling airliner.
Airways Magazine.
"The author has produced a well-illustrated technical guide on the
Boeing 737 designed to supplement the Boeing and company manuals. As
well as in-depth technical operating information, the book includes
excellent chapters on the history of the design." ... "Anyone with a
fascination for the 737 will enjoy this book."
Pilot Magazine, Jan 2007.
"A fascinating look at the 737 and 'how it works', and answers many
questions that both enthusiasts and engineers might want to pose."
Aircraft Illustrated, Dec 2006. (See full
review here)
"This is the guide for Boeing 737 pilots who have read the Operations
Manual and want to know more."
Flight Safety Foundation, Aviation Safety World, Dec 2006.
"Written by a maintenance test pilot on the B737 who is
currently employed by a leading European budget airline, this technical
guide offers facts, tips, photographs and points of interest about the
type to supplement existing airline and manufacturers manuals. It is
aimed at student pilots and training captains but has been written in a
plain and simple manner which will appeal to a wider audience."
Airliner World, Nov 2006.
"You are to be commended on the what is the finest book
on any aircraft that I have seen. I am amazed by the depth of knowledge
this book contains. I only wish I had it when I went to training on the
737 at US Airways!"
Capt H, JetBlue Airways
"I received the book a few days ago -v impressed for a
variety of reasons. Your book is different with constructive hints and
interesting information on the rudder/historical overview etc -good luck
I hope it sells."
Capt B, ThomsonFly
I found this book very useful and full of information
regarding systems and equipment. Even my company manuals don't even come
close to explaining in detail and simplicity as Chris Brady's book!
Superb reference and a great addition to his website that you can now
carry in your flight case!
KF, Edinburgh, UK.
Neues, gutes 737-Buch (engl.)!
Hallo,
hier ein Buchtipp: Die 737-Fans werden die Webseite von Chris Brady (http://www.b737.org.uk/)
kennen. Er hat jetzt dazu das Buch "The Boeing 737 Technical Guide"
herausgegeben. Nachdem ich es heute erhalten habe, kann ich es absolut
empfehlen, obwohl es nicht ganz billig ist (345 Seiten,ca. 42$) und sich
eher an "echte" 737-Nutzer (Classic und NG) richtet. Hier steht wirklich
alles drin, was man über die 737 wissen möchte- und man kann vergleichen,
wie gut der FS-Flieger wirklich Systeme simuliert ;-)...Daneben gibt`s
zahlreiche gute Abbildungen, Tabellen, "Thumb-Rules" und viele
praktische Hinweise! Am Ende findet sich sogar ein Wissens-Quiz (auch
für FS-Nutzer lösbar).
Weitere Infos zum Buch und der Bezugsquelle auf o.g. Webseite.
Gruss
Lars
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The Boeing 737 Technical Guide Reviews
