Impressive performance
The Boeing 757 is a narrow-body, twin-engine jetliner designed for medium to long-haul flights. Known for its impressive performance, versatility, and fuel efficiency, the 757 has become a popular choice among airlines for both domestic and international routes since its introduction in 1983.
Manufactured by Boeing, the 757 stands out for its ability to operate from shorter runways while maintaining high payload capacities and long-range capabilities, making it well-suited for a variety of commercial aviation roles, including transcontinental flights. The aircraft has become a favorite for airlines looking to service high-demand routes that don’t require a wide-body jet.
On Mar. 29, 1991, a 757, powered by only one of its engines, took off, circled and landed at the 11,621-foot-high (3542-meter-high) Gonggar Airport in Tibet. The airplane performed perfectly although the airfield was in a box canyon surrounded by peaks more than 16,400 feet (4998 meters) high.
Climbing on the barber pole
Pilots rave about the Boeing 757’s performance compared to other jets, a claim confirmed by Swanson Dinner, Boeing 737 / 757 / 767 Airline Captain, who recalls on Quora;
‘I was on a short flight between McGuire AFB and Wilmington, OH in a 757–200 “Combi”. Very little fuel, no pax or cargo. Just the crew including three flight attendants and a mechanic. While transiting KPHL [Philadelphia International Airport] airspace the controller kept us down at 10,000’ and 250KTS.
‘I had “the window open” meaning I had 250 set manually on the Mode Control panel. When we cleared the airspace the controller told us to resume normal speed and climb to FL370. I rolled 37000 into the ASEL and “closed the window” meaning the FMC [Flight Management Computer] was controlling the speed. The 757 normally climbs on the barber pole.
Boeing 757 Acceleration
‘Those Rolls-Royce engines spooled up and the autopilot pitched the nose up while we were all pushed back in our seats as the plane rocketed towards the heavens like a homesick angel. My FO and I both involuntarily mumbled “holy shit”.
‘I have not felt acceleration like that outside of an amusement park. And we were already going 250 knots at 10,000’.’
Dinner concludes;
‘I’ve got other performance stories but that one sticks out in my mind. The plane was an overpowered beast and a delight to fly.’
Photo credit: Tristan Thomas Own Work via Wikipedia