Ask Captain Lim ~ All about Aviation

Hello Capt Lim,

My name is Andrew. Thank you for this wonderful site you have that helps me out with my fears.

My first question is on the Airbus 300. I have been nervous about this airplane ever since it crashed a few years back. I refuse to take it for the simple fact that the vertical stabilizer fell off during flight. I have been told that Airbus makes lower quality airplanes than Boeing and I know the A300 gives a lot of mechanical problems from airport employees.

Is the Airbus A300 as safe as the Boeing 777? I know the A300 is one of Airbus' first airplanes. Have there been any cockpit upgrades since then? I would become extremely nervous if the A 300 encounters air turbulence. I prefer the B 757 or B 767. I have not flown the Boeing 777 yet.

My second question is about the A320s. Do you think the B 737s are better airplanes? The Airbus 320s have had a few quick crashes when upon its introduction to the industry. Do you think the crashes were due to pilots* unfamiliarity with the technology or glitches in the design?

Andrew Henry.

Hi Andrew,

Airbus and Boeing are the two leading aircraft manufacturers in the world today. Both built equally good planes notwithstanding the latest problem afflicting the Airbus A380 - the nosedive sale, cancellations and delayed delivery to customers worldwide.

I have flown the Airbus A300 and am currently flying the Airbus A320. I also flew the Boeing 737-(200 to 500 series) and the Boeing 777-200ER; each airplane has its good features at the time when they were manufactured. Yes, you can't really compare an older plane with a newer one that has all the latest upgrades and avionics. It would be unfair!

Although maintenance is very stringent on all planes, whether old or new, one cannot guarantee absolute quality control. So, for the benefit of doubt, most would prefer to fly on newer planes. In this respect, the Boeing 777 is a better plane than the Airbus A300. Further, it would be uneconomical to upgrade the Airbus A300 with modern avionics and airlines would rather phase out these older planes when it becomes too expensive to keep them airworthy.

Whether the Boeing 737s are better than the A320s?

You can read part of my answer on a previous FAQ. Yes, the A320s had a few quick crashes when they were first introduced and amongst others, one of the causes of the crash was due to pilots* unfamiliarity with the technology. Having flown this airplane for a while now, my opinion is that the Airbus A320 is a better plane when compared to the Boeing 737 of the same vintage. The only minus feature I can say about the Airbus A320 is that it is not as comfortable when it gets caught in turbulence.