The Effects of Mixed-Fleet Flying of the Boeing 737-200 and −300

Abstract

The performance effects of pilots concurrently flying two derivatives of the Boeing 737 (−200 and −300) were assessed at America West Airlines using data gathered in flight and from a pilot survey. The B737-200 and −300 differ in levels of flightdeck automation. An activity analysis methodology was used to gather the in-flight data. Seven of the activities observed were used as dependent measures in the analyses. It was found that the pilots did significantly more hand-flying when they were on a trip in which they flew both the −200 and −300 (a mixed trip), than when they only flew one plane type (a pure trip). Also, on mixed trips where the pilots flew the −200 and then the −300: after they switched into the −300 they engaged in more flight−relevant talking and they looked out the window less than pilots who flew the −300 and then the −200, or a pure trip. These were the only significant results related to mixing the plane types. It was concluded that the airline environment studied did not show significant detrimental performance effects due to mixed-fleet flying. This was supported by the survey data where 75% of the pilots responded that it is alright to mix the planes. Implications of mixed-fleet flying on training and scheduling are discussed, and the recommendations made to America West are presented.