Ask Captain Lim

Dear Captain Lim,

I have sent you two questions previously and you have kindly answered them. Thank you.

I was going through your FAQ and I came across a question as to which is the better airplane, A340 or Boeing 777? One gentleman had said that you were being pro-Boeing 777 and that you should give a more balanced opinion.

Let me express my view. I have friend who is an Airbus 340-300 Captain with a mid size Asian Airline. He had flown the L1011 previously. We emailed each other quite often. In a recent email, he told me he was caught in a major storm over the Bay of Bengal. He stated that the A340 did not handle the turbulence as well as the L1011and they had a very hard time in the storm.

I have flown on the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 from Melbourne to Singapore return. I have also traveled on the Airbus A340-300 .In terms of comfort, the Boeing 777 is far superior. It has more head and leg room. I find the seat bigger. A tall person can stand up without hitting his head on the overhead bin. The A340 is no match to Boeing 777 as far as comfort is concerned. An A340 is similar to A300/310 in comfort with no improvement at all.

However the side stick controller is liked by many pilots. I have spoken to a former Ansett Captain who has flown on a Boeing 767 and then A320. He told me that he prefers theside stick as opposed to the yoke as it is easier and more comfortable to handle. The pilots have to make only very small wrist movements.

Have you flown the A330/340? Do like the side stick?

I just felt like giving my feed back. You are right, the Boeing 777 is the best airplane in its class. It is streets ahead of the A340!

Thank you Captain

Regards

Ravi

Hi Ravi,

Thank you for your feedback.

I have not flown the A340/330 as a pilot but I was similarly told by my A330 colleagues that the side stick is a better option as it provides more working space for the pilot in the cockpit. I suppose I would have love it too!