Boeing 747 Cargo Flight: Dubai to Kuwait in the Cockpit

Pre-Flight Walkaround in Dubai

• ✈️ A thorough walkaround of the Boeing 747-400 (Echor Romeo J) is conducted at Dubai Maktum Airport (DWC) to ensure all engineering work is complete.
• 🔍 Checks include verifying suspension, looking for oil leaks, ensuring probes are visible, and inspecting static wicks.
• ⚠️ Brake wear pins and discs are checked to confirm the brakes are not excessively worn, and tires are in good condition.
• 🌡️ The exterior temperature is noted as a hot 35°C.

Flight Preparation and Departure from Dubai

• 📊 The flight plan from DWC to Kuwait Airport is reviewed, confirming sufficient fuel on board (33.7 tons required, 33.7 tons loaded).
• ⚖️ Takeoff weight is noted as 288.6 tons, with a cost index of 150 and reserves of 13.0.
• 💨 V-speeds (V1, VR, V2) are set for takeoff: V1 143, VR 153, V2 161.
• ✅ The aircraft is confirmed as serviceable with no significant items affecting the flight.
• 🚀 Engine start sequence (4, 3, 2, 1) is initiated, and takeoff flap 10 is set.
• 🚦 The aircraft taxis to runway 30 and receives clearance for takeoff.

En Route to Kuwait

• 📈 The flight cruises at 32,000 ft with a flight time of 1 hour and 23 minutes.
• 🗺️ The flight path takes the aircraft over Bahrain's airspace, with Qatar and Doha visible, and then heads northwest towards Kuwait.
• 🌍 Saudi Arabia is visible to the left, and Iran to the right.
• ✈️ The crew briefs the arrival procedure for Kuwait, expecting ILS runway 15 right, with minimums set at 340 ft.

Approach and Landing in Kuwait

• ⬇️ Descent begins, with speed restrictions and altitude changes managed by air traffic control.
• 🛬 The crew prepares for landing, setting autobrake 3 and planning for full reverse thrust initially.
• 📍 The aircraft is cleared for the ILS approach to runway 15 right.
• 💨 Landing checklist is completed, including extending flaps and landing gear.
• 🛬 The Boeing 747 successfully lands on runway 15 right in Kuwait.

Post-Landing and Return Preparation

• 🇰🇼 Upon landing in Kuwait, the aircraft offloads freight and prepares for a return trip to Dubai.
• ✈️ The flight will be a roundtrip from Dubai to Kuwait City, as part of the airline's cargo operations.