B737-200 (JT8D) Type Rating — 17 Focused Questions to Pass Your CheckridePassing a type rating checkride for the Boeing 737-200 with JT8D engines requires both systems knowledge and practical application under pressure. Below are 17 focused questions that mirror the kind of topics examiners commonly test. Each question includes a concise explanation, practical tips, and the key facts you should be able to state confidently during the oral and practical portions.
1. What are the main differences between the B737-200 and later 737 variants?
Key points: older pneumatic systems, fewer automation features, manual trim and flap systems, JT8D engines with different spool and bleed characteristics. Be prepared to discuss structural differences (no modern glass cockpit), performance limits, and handling differences during engine-out scenarios.
Practical tip: Emphasize aircraft age-related limitations (e.g., takeoff/landing field length, weight and balance peculiarities) and how they affect dispatch and performance calculations.
2. Explain JT8D engine start and bleed air requirements.
Key points: two-stage bleed system, specific pneumatic start sequence, and interaction with APU/ground air. Know starter limits (max cycles, cooling times), N2/N1 start indications, and hot/cold start procedures.
Practical tip: Be ready to run through an engine start flow (both normal and dry motor) and explain actions for no light-off or hung start.
3. How does the fuel system operate and how do you manage fuel imbalance?
Key points: gravity-fed wing tanks with booster pumps, crossfeed valve that must be managed manually. Describe normal fuel transfer patterns, crossfeed procedures, and limitations on imbalance for takeoff.
Practical tip: Show you can compute remaining endurance and state when diversion is required.
4. Describe the hydraulic systems and essential cautions.
Key points: two independent hydraulic systems, manual gear and flap extension possible, hydraulic pressure limits and indications. Know the sources of hydraulic power, servo/actuator locations, and emergency extension steps.
Practical tip: Explain failures that force manual gear extension and how to maintain controllability with partial hydraulic loss.
5. What are the anti-ice and ice detection systems?
Key points: pneumatic wing and engine inlet anti-ice on the -200, and electric windshield heat. Know when to select anti-ice ON (TAT/visible moisture criteria), the limitations for takeoff with anti-ice selected, and how wing anti-ice affects performance.
Practical tip: State exact limitations (e.g., use of engine anti-ice for taxi/takeoff when icing conditions exist) and expected indications.
6. Explain the electrical system basics on the 737-200.
Key points: AC and DC buses, engine-driven generators, APU generator, external power; limited automatic load-shedding compared to newer models. Be able to trace power paths and explain transfer logic.
Practical tip: Describe actions and checklist flow for generator failure and bus tie scenarios.
7. How do you handle an engine failure on takeoff (V1 cut)?
Key points: identify, verify, maintain directional control, pitch for V2, retract flaps per schedule, and follow engine failure memory items. Know rotation and pitch targets, and how asymmetric thrust affects rudder/aileron inputs.
Practical tip: Be ready to run a short verbal callout sequence: “Throttle idle — maintain runway centerline — pitch V2 — positive climb — gear up — flaps up schedule.”
8. What are the go-around and missed approach considerations specific to the -200?
Key points: manual handling with JT8D spool characteristics, flap retraction schedule, and power management to avoid compressor stalls. Know planning margins for single-engine missed approaches and increased drag during flap retraction.
Practical tip: Explain how to crosscheck pitch, power, and configuration while communicating intentions to ATC.
9. Describe the pressurization system and emergency descent criteria.
Key points: a basic outflow valve-controlled system with safety valves; pressurization schedule tied to differential pressure limits. Know the cabin altitude warnings, mode selectors, and when to initiate emergency descent.
Practical tip: State the memory items for rapid decompression and immediate steps (oxygen, descent, don masks).
10. How is the flightdeck configured for navigation and approach in the -200?
Key points: conventional avionics: mechanical flight instruments, VOR/ILS/ADF, INS or early FMS options depending on airline fit. Be prepared to brief an approach using raw data: inbound course, DME references, and step-down fixes.
Practical tip: Practice flying non-precision approaches without vertical guidance and compute stable approach parameters manually.
11. What are the maximum takeoff and landing weights and performance considerations?
Key points: weight limits vary by variant/mod and airline, but you must know structural max weights, flap-limited speeds, and runway performance tables. Demonstrate computation for V-speeds, takeoff distances, and landing distances including tailwind or slope corrections.
Practical tip: Show a worked example: given runway length, temperature, and weight, state whether takeoff is permitted and which flaps/Vr to use.
12. Explain the yaw damper and autopilot characteristics.
Key points: yaw damper required for comfortable handling, autopilot is less capable than modern EFIS systems and may have engagement/altitude capture quirks. Know minimum autopilot engagement heights and limitations for coupled approaches.
Practical tip: Describe how to hand-fly coupled approaches if autopilot disconnects close to the ground.
13. How do you manage abnormal cabin altitude or pressurization indications?
Key points: recognize outflow valve or pressurization controller failures, use dump, manual mode if installed, and follow emergency descent profile. Know when to don oxygen and coordinate with ATC for descent.
Practical tip: Cite the immediate actions and checklist sequence concisely.
14. What are common JT8D-specific quirks tied to engine operation in flight?
Key points: spool-up is slower than modern turbofans, more susceptible to compressor stalls if advanced rapidly, and different EGT limits. Be able to set power smoothly during go-arounds and cross-check engine instruments for trending.
Practical tip: Explain how to avoid surge/stall during single-engine operations and the significance of EGT margins during climb.
15. Describe the landing gear system and emergency extension.
Key points: hydraulic extension with a mechanical free-fall/emergency release; squat switches affect thrust reverser logic. Know the indications for unsafe gear, procedures for manual extension, and limitations for landing with alternate extension.
Practical tip: Walk through the step-by-step manual extension procedure and how to verify gear down and locked without normal indications.
16. How do you interpret and act on cockpit warning lights and annunciators?
Key points: priority for fire, overheat, and engine/airframe warnings; many warnings are discrete lights requiring crosscheck of instruments and procedure cards. Practice quick diagnosis: isolate the system, follow memory items, and use checklists.
Practical tip: Give examples: engine fire light vs. overheat — immediate actions differ (shutdown vs. monitor and land).
17. What are the typical CRM and single-pilot decision-making expectations for a -200 type check?
Key points: clear roles during abnormal flows, strict callouts on V-speeds and configuration changes, and sterile cockpit adherence during critical phases. Examiners expect concise, prioritized decisions and good command of diversion/landing options.
Practical tip: During the practical, verbalize your scan, decisions, and why you chose specific minima or diversion points.
Horizontal rules separate main sections and help examiners find topics quickly. Memorize the bolded facts and be ready to demonstrate the procedures in the simulator. Good preparation combines systems study, repetition of memory items until automatic, and simulator practice of those high-workload events (V1 cuts, engine failures, manual gear extension, and pressurization failures).
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