fuel load for 747

[TRflyman01]

Hi, since i have improved my skills in the tubes I frequently fly the 747. Most flights are under 1000 miles so I rarely use even 50% fuel load. What is the best configuration for the fuel to aid in the flight characteristics and landing ability of the 747? Is it better to use all tanks, just center 1 and 2 wing tanks, center 1 and center 2 with no wing tanks, etc? Also, why can't I ever get the trim just right in the jets to achieve level flight with hands off? I have no problem in small aircraft. If I briefly turn on autopilot and let it set the trim then it is level but I cant get it to that accuracy without the auto. I like to try and fly the complete flight without using auto if possible.
TRflyman01

[Anxyous]

Maybe the trim is a little more sensitive in the big jets.

My only advice is to click the trim buttons faster.

You may wanna take some of the lessons in the learning center if you haven't, you learn some good things about trim.

I for one never realized that if you decrease or increase thrust, the plane will pitch to maintain the speed it was originally trimmed for.

I thought it just pitched randomly

[Brett_Henderson]

Hi, since i have improved my skills in the tubes I frequently fly the 747. Most flights are under 1000 miles so I rarely use even 50% fuel load. What is the best configuration for the fuel to aid in the flight characteristics and landing ability of the 747? Is it better to use all tanks, just center 1 and 2 wing tanks, center 1 and center 2 with no wing tanks, etc? Also, why can't I ever get the trim just right in the jets to achieve level flight with hands off? I have no problem in small aircraft. If I briefly turn on autopilot and let it set the trim then it is level but I cant get it to that accuracy without the auto. I like to try and fly the complete flight without using auto if possible.
TRflyman01

First a disclaimer:

[TRflyman01]

Let us know how it goes

[TRflyman01]

Brett, just tried a short flight, jacksonville to orlando using IFR, real world weather and ATC. had to do a downwind leg, ATC's version, and land visual on runway 36L, no ILS. Had a little problem with holding fix alt. of 2100 when turning to line up. Dropped down to around 1900, increased throttle to get back and get on glideslope.
forgot to say, no autopilot the whole flight, yeah!!!!                                    

[Brett_Henderson]

I can see the whole thing in my head

[macca22au]

A recently retired 747 Singapore captain said that he still used some "top" rudder when he kicked the plane straight for touchdown.

However he says up to a certain cross-wind component the aircraft is certified to land at the crab angle, and then the geometry pulls it straight using momentum.

Can you imagine the turning forces on the gear, but it seems they prefer that to excessive wing drop in an old fashioned cross-controlled landing which might lead to a wing tip touching.  Expensive it seems!