[NM]

Originally Posted by serfty

It's interesting that the next Qantas 388's are scheduled to be delivered in 30 and 45 days but are currently not slated for revenue operations for at least a further 23 days or so.

Perhaps Qantas are being careful ...

Yes. Its easy to swap a 744 with an A388, but no so easy the other way if they have out-sold any of the 744 cabins.

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by serfty

It's interesting that the next Qantas 388's are scheduled to be delivered in 30 and 45 days but are currently not slated for revenue operations for at least a further 23 days or so.

Perhaps Qantas are being careful ...

I was under the impression that the first few aircraft of a new type had to be in the country for a certain time before they could go into passenger operation. A month for the first one, and reducing length of times for the next few.

(could be mistaken on this of course!)

[NM]

Originally Posted by oz_mark

I was under the impression that the first few aircraft of a new type had to be in the country for a certain time before they could go into passenger operation. A month for the first one, and reducing length of times for the next few.

(could be mistaken on this of course!)

I am only aware of the requirement for the first of a new type, but very happy to learn about any such requirements that exist. The new type must be added to the airline's Air Operators Certificate (AOC) before it can commence RPT services with the new type. To have the new type added to the AOC requires proof that the operator has the procedures and experience in place to undertake the operations correctly/safely.

The crew experience requirements do have a staged increasing requirement for a new type. For example, initial crew requirements for QF's A380s included a minimum of 8 sectors and 10 flight hours on type, while subsequent crews will require a minimum of 8 sectors and 25 flight hours. The most experienced QF A380 pilot had in excess of 200 flying hours on the type (including 100 hours of instructing) when QF took delivery of their first A380.

[Evan]

And i assume they continue to train crew on the MEL-SYD repositioning flights. All expereince for pilots and crew at take-off, landing and general procedures.
E

[NM]

Originally Posted by Evan

And i assume they continue to train crew on the MEL-SYD repositioning flights. All expereince for pilots and crew at take-off, landing and general procedures.
E

That is all part of gaining the required "sectors".

There is a good article about this in this month's Australian Aviation magazine.