QF7 Rate of Climb

[Tonkatough]

Just flew QF7 as an alternative to the LAX offerings - a very positive experience all round. But the rate of climb out of SYD appeared to be extraordinarily low. Still seemed to be climbing over Fiji! I know this is a long flight (I think the longest now) and depends on loads, but how does a QF7's rate of climb compare to the other QANTAS 747 routes and then also the A380 routes? For comparison's sake, let's say maximum capacity load for the particular route. Hope someone out there has the answers.

 

[samh004]

I recall reading a post from jb747 that suggested as they burn fuel they'll continue climbing higher, because essentially at takeoff they can't get that high as they're too heavy. Something like that. So it would make sense.

 

[markis10]

The aircraft will step climb due to load and also to take advantage of the jetstream giving it a tailwind.

Flight Track Log

 

[albatross710]

Just flew QF7 as an alternative to the LAX offerings - a very positive experience all round. But the rate of climb out of SYD appeared to be extraordinarily low. Still seemed to be climbing over Fiji! I know this is a long flight (I think the longest now) and depends on loads, but how does a QF7's rate of climb compare to the other QANTAS 747 routes and then also the A380 routes? For comparison's sake, let's say maximum capacity load for the particular route. Hope someone out there has the answers.

Consider that QF7 is possibly the longest route that departs our of Sydney so there will be more fuel and supplies on board, all of which need to be carried.

The other night returning on QF8 I recall during the sleeping part of the 15.5 hours across the pacific there was a specific time when I heard the engines go to more power and then back to the cruise sound. Possibly this is the type of level change that happens as the journey goes on.

Unfortunately the Flight Map wasn't working so I couldn't see the change of altitude.

Tonkatough on your next flight you can determine the rate of climb by reference to the cruise altitude and time.

Time of Power reduction minus Runway Liftoff (Number of minutes to reach cruise)

Then divide the Cruise Altitude by the number of minutes.

For example, if the flight take 17 minutes to get to 34,000 feet then that is ~2,000 feet per minute.