Southwest Virtual

Aircraft Operating Manual

(AOM)

Copyright 2004
Southwest Virtual
Socal Hub

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Aircraft Operating Manual

I. Scope and Introduction

This AOM will provide the SWVA pilot the basic information to fly the 737
as our real world counterparts. This information will provide takeoff, climb,
cruise, descent and landing instructions for the 737.

We ask all SWVA pilots to fly their 737 within the guidelines published in
this AOM to keep our operation efficient and safe.

The AOM will provide information for the pilot flying FMC equipped and
non-FMC equipped 737’s.

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Table Of Contents

Scope…………………………………………… Page 2

Preflight and Taxi

Preflight…………………………………..Page 5
Clearance Briefings………………………Page 6
Flight Briefing……………………………Page 6
Additional Items………………………….Page 6
Final FMC Programming………………...Page 6
Pushback………………………………….Page 7
Before Start……………………………….Page 7
Pushback Complete………………………Page 7
After Start………………………………...Page 7 & 8
Before Taxi……………………………….Page 8
Taxi Operations…………………………..Page 9
Crossing/Taxing on Rwys………..Page 9
Approaching Rwys……………….Page 9
Before Takeoff Flow..…………………...Page 9
Before Takeoff Checklist………………...Page 10
Taxiing onto Dep Rwy…………………...Page 10

Takeoff
Takeoff Procedures……………….……...Page 11 & 12
RNAV Takeoff…………………………...Page 12

Climb
Climb Procedures………………………...Page 13
Flight Management……………………....Page 13
Climb Flows……………………………...Page 14

Cruise
Cruise Procedures………………………..Page 14

Descent
Descent Planning………………………...Page 15

Approach
Approach Procedures…………………….Page 16
Speed Restrictions………………………..Page 16

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Aircraft Operating Manual

Table of Contents Continued…

Approach Cont….
Final Approach requirements……………...Page 17
Visual Approaches………………………...Page 17
Approach Profile…………………………..Page 18
Flap Extension Speeds…………………….Page 19

Go-around/Missed Approaches
Go-around/Missed approach procedures….Page 20

Checklists
Printable Checklists……………………….Page 22 & 23

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Aircraft Operating Manual

Preflight and Taxi

Preflight

Cold and Dark Cockpit

-Battery Switch “ON”
-If equipped APU “Start”
-APU Generators “ON”

FMC Programming (If Equipped)

-Program current flight plan into FMC
-300/500……………... Use 28 for “Cost Index”
-700………………….. Use 36 for ”Cost Index”

Before Start Checklist

(Note-Due to the many different cockpit configurations some switches may not be
Available, this checklist is based on a fully equipped plane)

-Fire Warning and Overheat Test…………………Checked

-Start Levers……………………………………….Cutout
-Stab Trim Cutout Switches……………………….Guarded
-Light Test…………………………………………Checked
-Oxygen Masks…………………………………….Present
-PMC’s(EEC”s 700)……………………………….On
-Instrument Transfer Switches……………………..Normal
-Fuel………………………………………………..Required fuel level
-Fuel Boost Pumps…………………………………On
-Passengers Signs…………………………………..On
-Hyd Pumps…………………………………………A’s Off, B On
-Pressurization………………………………………Set as Required
-Altimeters…………………………………………..Set
-Auto Brake…………………………………………RTO
-Takeoff Warning Horn……………………………..Checked
-Parking Brake ……………………………………...Set
-Flight Trims………………………………………..Centered

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Aircraft Operating Manual

“Before start checklist complete” is announced

Clearance Briefings

-Assigned ATC Clearance is given between crews

-Assigned SID is available with transition

Flight Briefing

-Who is flying (Captain or FO?)?

-FMC
-Confirm correct legs and waypoints match given clearance
-Confirm correct Altitude Restrictions
-MCP and Nav Radios
-Altitude, heading, VOR course and nav radios –set
-Engine Out Procedures
-In the event of engine-out on takeoff make sure appropriate
engine-out procedure for airport is available

Additional Takeoff and Departure Items

-Rejected takeoff Considerations

-Course of action in adverse weather
-Current NOTAMS if any
-Rwy conditions
-Obstacles
-Passenger Greeting

Final FMC Programming (If Equipped)

-Enter Zero Fuel Weight in PERF INIT page

-Select anticipated dep Rwy on takeoff page
-Enter temperature in the FMC
-Deselect the reduce climb in the FMC by pressing the R2 button. CLB-1
Or CLB-2 will not be used by SWVA
-Select the V-speeds in the FMC

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Pushback

-Warning The “A” hydraulic pumps must be turned off anytime the
aircraft is being pushed or pulled

-Pushback may commence when all of the following are completed:

-Captain verifies all doors are shut
-Before Start Checklists are complete
-Safety ZONES are clear
-Flight Deck windows are clear
-Jet Bridge is pulled back

-CALL for Pushback Clearance from appropriate ATC

-Anti Collision beacon on

-Begin Pushback and engine start

Before Start
-Air Conditioning packs……………………… off
-APU start Pressure……………………………Verify
-APU Bleed on
-Commence Engine Start (Reference f10 for engine start)
-If starting engines manually always start #2 first, after #2 engine
is started close isolation valve and place rt pack switch to on for
passenger comfort

Pushback Complete
-When Pushback is verified complete, set parking brake
-Parking brake remains set until “Before Taxi Checklist is completed”

After Start
-Start Levers…………………………………….Verify “IDLE” Position
-Electrical………………………………………..Engine Generators “ON”
-Pitot Static heat………………………………….ON
-Engine and Wing Anti ice………………………As Required
-System “A” hydraulic…………………………..ON

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After Start Cont

-Air conditioning and Pressurization
-Engine Bleeds…………………………...Verify “ON”
-RT Pack Switch…………………………Verify “ON”
-LT Pack Switch…………………………ON
-APU Bleed ……………………………..OFF
-APU…………………………………….OFF
FLT/GRD Switch………………………..FLT

-Master Caution Recall…………………………Push and Release

-All amber lights should stay extinguished
-Any illuminated lights should be verified inop

-Flap Position
-We will use flap position “5” for all types( Flap positions are
based on aircraft weight and runway specifics, we will use use a
Normal flaps 5 takeoff at SWVA

-Control Wheel Check……………………………..Performed

Before Taxi Checklist

-Electrical……………………………….Engine Generators “ON”
-Pitot Heat……………………………….ON
-Anti-Ice…………………………………ON
-Start Switches…………………………...Continuous
-Start Levers……………………………..Idle
-Flaps……………………………………..5 Verified, Green Light

Announce ”Before Taxi Checklist Complete”

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Taxi Operations
-Call for taxi clearance
-Record Instructions
-Repeat Instructions
-Verify cabin is secure
-Direct your attention outside during Taxi operations
-Taxi aircraft smoothly with minimum power
-Do not exceed operational taxi speeds
-Normal taxi speed 20 knots or less.
-Adjust speeds for adverse conditions
-The use of “REVERSE” thrust during taxi in prohibited
-Use exterior lights as needed to be seen and to see

Crossing or Taxiing Down Runways

-Direct your attention outside at all runway crossings
-When aircraft is taxied onto any runway, turn on exterior lights
-Pilots will agree ATC has issued clearance to cross the Hold Short Line
-Verify both approach paths cleared

Approaching the Runway

-Do not stop at hold short line unless instructed to do so by ATC
-Approximately 1 minute before departure or holding #2 in departure
sequence, push the “ATTEND” button to notify FA’s of takeoff
-Check aircraft configuration
-Perform scan of flap setting, stab trim (green arc) and speedbrake
lever is full down
-Check that take warning horn is not activated
-With brakes released move one thrust lever to midrange
and back, verify no Horn sounded

Before Takeoff Flow

-Air-conditioning and Pressurization
-Isolation valve……………………….AUTO
-Recirculation fan…………………….ON
-Transponder
-TA/RA
-Weather Radar………………………………as required

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Complete “Before Takeoff Checklist”

Before Takeoff Checklist

-Attendant Notification……………………………Complete
-Transponder………………………………………TA/RA
-Packs…………………………………………….. As Required
-Bleeds…………………………………………….As Required
-Recall……………………………………………..Clear

Announce ”Before Takeoff Checklist Complete”

• Switch to tower Frequency

• Ensure that Departure Freq is preset in #1 VHF radio

Taxiing Onto Departure RWY

• Complete FMC runway update prior to crossing hold short line

• The PILOT will call approach path cleared prior to entering
runway
• When entering runway for takeoff or “Position and Hold” turn on
all exterior lights (except landing lights and strobes)
• Ensure wing Anti-Ice switch is OFF
• Align aircraft on runway centerline
• When “Cleared for Takeoff” turn landing lights and strobes on,
this
• Provides signals to other pilots and ATC the aircraft is moving
down the runway

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Aircraft Operating Manual

Takeoff

Takeoff procedures are needed for obstacle clearance and to have the aircraft
cleaned up in a timely matter for improved performance, fuel economy and noise
reduction.

Before takeoff the crew should discuss their rejected takeoff procedures.
Pretakeoff checklist should be completed in its entirety prior to takeoff roll.

When cleared for takeoff turn landing and strobe lights on. (Note; when holding
on runway at night keep at least one landing or turnoff light on to increase aircraft
visibility). A rolling takeoff is recommended, as takeoff roll progresses keep light
forward pressure on the control column.

The pilot will advance the power levers approximately ¾” forward of the idle stop
to allow engines to stabilize at 40% N1. The pilot will then advance throttles to
takeoff N1 and call “takeoff thrust”. Your virtual non-flying pilot will then make
final thrust adjustments by 60 knots and call takeoff thrust “set”. During takeoff
once the thrust is set, do not retard thrust levers except for rejected takeoff.

Note: The flying pilots hand will be on the thrust levers from setting of
takeoff thrust until reaching V1.

Your virtual non-flying pilot should call out “80 knots” and “V1”. V1 callout will
be made prior to computed V1 speeds (5 knots preferred). In that situation the
flying pilot can make his go/no go decision before the V1 speed is reached. At V1
the flying pilot will remove his hand from the thrust lever and the virtual pilot will
call “rotate” when the Vr speed is reached on the airspeed indicator.

As your airspeed approaches Vr the control column should be moved to neutral or

slightly aft of neutral. When airspeed reaches Vr smoothly rotate aircraft to a 3
degree per second climb. Excessive rotation rate over 6 degrees can cause a tail
strike. After liftoff adjust pitch to maintain an airspeed of 210 knots. Limit pitch
altitude to 20 degrees for passenger comfort.

When the positive rate of climb is indicated on VSI and altimeter the pilot will
raise the gear. Leave the landing gear handle in the up position till all red gear
lights have extinguished, once all red lights are extinguished you can lower the
handle to the “off” position on such equipped aircraft.

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At 1000’ the pilot will call “climb thrust” and allow the aircraft to accelerate to
the flap retraction speeds. Your virtual pilot will callout “climb thrust” and move
the flap lever to flap “1” position and set the thrust lever to the desired thrust
indicated either by FMC or pilots calculations. The pilot will then lower the nose
to 10 degrees and allow the aircraft to accelerate. Retract the wings flap on flap
retraction schedule (PMDG 700 will display this on the Airspeed indicator).

Flap Retraction Schedule Flaps 5 Takeoff

Select flaps 1 at 170 Knots

Select flaps 0 at 190 Knot

Final Climb Minimum speed 210

If aircraft weight is above 117,000 pounds add 10 knots to your flap retraction
speed on all aircraft.

The 737-500 is certified for only flaps 5 or 15 takeoffs!

Note:
No turns should be made below 500’. Some airports may require non-
standard departure procedures and profiles.

RNAV Takeoff Procedures (FMC equipped aircraft required)

• Select TOGA for takeoff

• Select LNAV on MCP at 400’(Flight Director will now give RNAV guidance)
• 1000’ select either LVL CHG or V/S to decrease F/D pitch
• Engage the Autopilot at 1000’
• Monitor legs page on FMC for headings

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Climb

Maximum climb power should be used for most efficient fuel conservation, CLB1 or
CMB2 are not used at SWVA.

Above 10000’ the minimum cost climb speed is the FMC economy speed. On non-FMC
equipped aircraft use 280 knots/.74 mach on the classic 737 or 280 knots/.78 mach on the
700.

Note:

On departure climbs away from your destination, a climb speed of 210 knots
should be maintained until turning on course. 210 max airspeed is allowed in
Class B airspace.

On departures on course maintain 210 knots until 3000’.

250 knots should then be maintained below 10000 feet.

Flight Management

The pilot will set his course setting and heading selector when under A/P control to
reflect his current heading.

Assigned altitude will be visible in the altitude window of the MCP.

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Climb Flows

The crew should accomplish the following procedures during the climb:

• Fuel monitoring- Monitor for proper balance and adjust as needed

10,000 Feet

• Callout 10,000’
• Push attendant call button to alert sterile cockpit has ended
• Engine Start switches to “Off”

18,000 Feet

• Set altimeter to 29.92

• Landing Lights OFF

Cruise

Optimum altitude will be computed on FMC equipped aircraft and when able pilots
should follow all computed step climbs. Never fly above the FMC computed altitudes.

On FMC equipped aircraft the following cruise speeds should be followed:

• 300/500 ECON CRZ TGT

• 700 ECON CRZ TGT

On non-FMC equipped airplanes the following cruise speeds should be followed:

• 200-lower of 300/0.74 mach

• 300/500- lower of 300 knots/0.74 mach
• 700- lower of 300 knots/ 0.78 mach

If cruise speed is below 0.72 mach the pilot may at his discretion fly at 300 IAS.

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Descent Planning

Descent speed will be 280 knots IAS:

• If unable to descend at 280 knots, descend at idle speed until 280

knots is attained, then use V/S adjustments to maintain 280 knots

• For proper 10,000/250 knot transition its recommended the pilot

uses V/S set to 1300 FPM at 13,000 ft will normally give a pilot
250 knots at 10,000 feet

• If ATC initiates an early descent, descend at 1000fpm until you

capture your descent profile

If aircraft is equipped, use descent profile calculated by FMC computer:

• Pilot is responsible to make sure all proper altitude crossings are

entered into FMC

• Pilot will enter all ATC altitude restriction into FMC legs page and
abide by those restrictions

Aircraft without FMC

Pilots can use the 3 to 1 method for descent planning for their profile:

• If required to pass a intersection or VOR at 10,000 and the

aircraft is at FL350, the pilot would have to loose 25,000 ft
(35,000 – 10,000 = 25,000)

• 25(Alt to loose) x 3 = 75, so 75 miles from that required

crossing altitude the pilot would start his/her descent

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Aircraft Operating Manual

Approach Procedures and Restrictions

FAR 91 Restricts aircraft speed to 250 knots below 10,000 feet MSL.

GPS approaches are not authorized at SWVA.

Circle to land approaches are authorized if ceiling is above 1000 ft and visibility
is at least 3 miles.

Speed Restrictions

210 Knots within Class B airspace.

170 knots max speed within 5 mile final

• If given ATC approach speed in excess of 170 knots within
5 mile final, DO NOT ACCEPT the speed.

Use all available navigational aids for the approach.

Use ATC assigned altimeter setting to 1000’ then make no further changes.

Use barometric altimeter for all callouts down to 200’, then use radio altimeter for
remaining callouts.

If available follow glideslope guidance on final.

• Priority for guidance will be ILS then visual glideslope

(VASI/PAPI).

• Use the runway touchdown zone as an aiming point.

Prior to final approach, position feet and hands on the controls to assume full
control of aircraft if needed.

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Aircraft Operating Manual

Final Approach Requirements (All Approaches)

By 1000 feet above the touch down zone (TDZE),

The aircraft must be in landing configuration, gear down and landing flaps.

The aircraft must be in the Vtarget speed range.

Must be on the glidepath with a normal descent rate (700-800 fpm) but will not
exceed 1000 fpm.

Once established this criteria must be maintained throughout the rest of the
approach.

If a stabilized approach is not obtained, a go-around must be accomplished.

The Captain will direct a go around if the stabilized approach conditions are
not met or a landing appears unsafe.

Visual Approaches

Visual approaches are authorized when all of the following are met,

• The aircraft is in controlled airspace.

• The aircraft is under ATC control.

• VMC weather exists and can maintain VMC.

• The aircraft is within 35 NM of its destination and has visual

contact with all traffic and airport.

Plan to fly visual approach whenever an instrument approach is not required.

Ensure ATC has issued you a clearance for the visual approach.

• When issued ATC visual clearance the pilot is relieved of all

instrument approach procedures. It is recommended if available to
use a charted procedure to back up your visual references.

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Aircraft Operating Manual

Enter traffic pattern at a minimum of 1500 feet above the terrain and all
obstacles.

Observe Class airspace airspeed restrictions:

Far 91 Restricts Class B Airspace airports maintain max speed of:

• -300/500 210 Knots

• -700 200 knots

Profile

Begin slowing from 250 knots to 210 knots:

• On downwind, when approaching abeam to TDZE.

• On straight-in, when 11-15 miles out from TDZE.

Downwind:

• Flaps 5
• 180 Knots
• Landing gear down, flaps 15
• 1500 feet AGL

Prior to turning base:

• Descend as necessary to intercept normal glidepath

Base leg:

• Continue to configure aircraft

• Flaps 30 or 40 landing may be used
• Before landing checklist
o SpeedBrakes…………Armed, Green Light
o Landing Gear ………..Down, 3 Green
o Flaps………………….30 or 40, Green Light
• Slow to Vtarget
• Before landing checklist completed no later than 1000
above TDZE

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Final:
• Airplane must meet final approach requirements by 1000’
above TDZE

• For approaches where maneuvering is required, the aircraft

is on and maintaining final approach course or Rwy
centerline and wing level by 500’ above TDZE

• Go-around/missed approach must be executed by this point

if these requirements are not met

• Disengage autopilot not lower than 50 feet AGL

• Land the aircraft

Flap Extension Speed

300/500 Use the following extension speeds (-700 use MASI)

• Slowing thru 210 knots, flaps 5

• Slowing thru 180, flaps 15
• Slowing thru 150, flaps 25 or final flaps

Flap speeds on the forward instrument panel are not target or guideline
speeds, they are maximum speeds at which aircraft can be safely
configured.

200/300/500/700 with MASI Inop

Flap Position Flap Maneuvering Speeds
0 210
1 190
5 180
10 170
15 150/Vref
25 140

On 300/500 add 10 knots to all speeds when above 117,000 pounds

gross weight

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Go-around/Missed Approaches

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Aircraft Operating Manual

Checklist

The following pages are printable checklist for your 737!

These are not approved for real world flight, there are meant for the
aviation simulation enthusiasts only.

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