747-400 / 8 cruising issue?

I recently flew from Hong Kong to Amsterdam and I noticed my plane was pitching up, quite a lot actually and it was bothering me since it said I wouldn’t have enough fuel to reach my destination but yet I added 2 hours extra of the amount of fuel to get me there (280,000 pounds). But when I added flaps I got back a whole lot of flight time, nearly 8 hours more… here’s some pictures. This has happened before, here’s a picture of with flaps vs without. .

i will fly with flaps if I have to but I don’t want to because it’s not realistic, I’ve been on several 747-400 flights and I don’t ever remember seeing flaps except for landing/taking off.

1 Like

You might be too heavy right now. As the the flight continues, your plane would get lighter. Go to a lower altitude until you’re light enough to go back up.

3 Likes

I finished this flight this morning but thanks I’ll try that when I do my return flight tonight :)

1 Like

There’s no need to change to #support, there’s nothing wrong with the app. Occasions like this are normal for long haul flights. When you’re heavy and have a lot of fuel, the plane uses more N1 or throttle to maintain cruise speed but in turn burn more fuel, making you lighter much faster and saving fuel.

1 Like

This is relatively normal for the 747 family, as it is a old aircraft. As said above just make sure you step climb, I would recommend starting at FL 280-290. Depending on direction even though this may be unrealistic, it will pretty much guarantee that you will reach your destination with enough fuel :)

1 Like

Are you using simbrief?

Uhh no, fuelplanner.com

Ok thanks for the help, much appreciated! :)

1 Like

Also remember

flaps can rip off if you fly to fast with them irl

1 Like

You should use simbrief or FPLtoIF.com. They will generate the fuel needed and the altitude for each way point.

You NEVER EVER, put flaps down that high, try step climbing
Fl100
Fl150
Fl200
Fl250
Fl300
Fl350

3 Likes

This is where trim is your best friend. 50-60% trim usually will fix the problem. :^)

2 Likes

@StormyAviation I always use Flap 10 for cruise with the 747. It helps it stay flat. Nothing goes wrong nor is it a bad thing

1 Like

For the 747s flaps in cruise will actually increase your range dramatically! Yes it not realistic but it works in IF.

3 Likes

It was definitely the weight of your aircraft. What was your load?

Never use that much positive trim when heavy it will cause a stall and no way to get out of it.

1 Like

Never knew this, don’t fly the 747 much though.

I’ve used it in all kinds of weights, it shouldn’t affect whether or not it will stall. If you’re stalling at a certain altitude, it’s better to descent at that point.

I usually don’t use positive trim on takeoff because it likes to stall out.

Then you must be flying way too slowly, either rotate faster or climb slower. Autopilot should handle everything during climb.