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Expert: - 12/6/2003


Question
Can a Boeing 777 be over-rotated, thus hitting the tailplane on the runway?

Answer
"Can a Boeing 777 be over-rotated, thus hitting the tailplane on the runway? "

Yes. During test trials the Boeing Company does this on purpose (with some protective covering in the tailcone) to determine Vmu or minimum unstick speed. At extreme angles of attack (like an over rotation), it will be the slowest speed at which the airplane will lift off the runway.  I believe the video about the production of the 777 includes footage of this and other flight tests. I have seen this demo done on the 747, but can't remember if I saw it on the video of the 777 trials for certain. You can buy the video at www.amazon.com if you want to see it for your self.

American Airlines has had a tailstrike incident and I believe Saudia has as well. You can check the internet for more facts by searching for "777 + tailstrike" (inside the quotations!) for specific websites on the topic.

Dottie  

Aviation/Flying

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D. Norkus

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I can address questions about airline pilot employment & entry level airline careers in the United States, women pilots, flight training, pilot certification, U.S. flight scholarships (mostly for women), aviation & airline safety topics, aviation accident investigation and airline operations. ***Please note, I cannot address flight training & career queries from outside the United States, or aero engineering degree programs/careers, aviation management topics. ****

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Airline captain with 15 years past experience in airline ground operations. I have previously flown as a commercial skydive pilot & ferry pilot and majored in Aviation Science


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International Organization of Women Pilots- The Ninety-Nines, charter member of Women In Aviation International, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Air Line Pilots Association.

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Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Aviation Safety/Accident investigation

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