Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 223
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On climbout/normal departure passing approximately 13;000 feet MSL; the 'B' hydraulic system engine 2 pump low pressure light illuminated.  The QRH was complied with.  A minute or two afterward; the 'B' system electric pump low pressure light flickered and then remained illuminated.  We checked the hydraulic gauges and noted the 'B' system needle was erratic and then settled between 1/4 and 1/2 full.  The First Officer continued flying and communicating with ATC.  The flight attendants were notified.  I addressed the QRH for the 'B' system failure.  We initially leveled off at 16;000 feet MSL and then continued to FL220.  Coordinating with Dispatch and Maintenance; the 'A' and standby hydraulic systems functioning normally and after working through our malfunction; being near the halfway point; I decided to continue to our destination and a longer runway.  The QRH checklist was completed and reviewed and a request was made with Approach Control to have emergency equipment standing by as a precaution.  Transfer of control of the aircraft was accomplished; landing and go-around procedures reviewed; and an uneventful flaps 15 recovery was made.  Maintenance was at the gate to receive the aircraft.
On climbout; passing approximately 13;000 feet MSL; the 'B' hydraulic system engine 2 pump low pressure light illuminated.  The 'A' autopilot was engaged and the QRH was complied with.  One to two minutes later; the 'B' system electric pump low pressure light flickered and then remained illuminated.  The 'B' hydraulic gauges were erratic and the 'B' system needle settled at 3/8 full.  I flew and communicated with ATC while the Captain notified the flight attendants and ran the QRH.  We initially leveled off at 16;000 feet; but continued up to 22;000 feet for a better ride. The Captain coordinated with Dispatch and Maintenance who agreed that the best course of action was to continue to our scheduled destination (about halfway there at this point; clear weather and longer runway as opposed to returning with TRW in area).  Requested emergency equipment standing by as a precaution.  On vectors to final; the Captain took control of the aircraft for the approach and landing.  Uneventful flaps 15 landing was made. Taxied normally to the gate leaving flaps in 15 position.  Maintenance met the aircraft at the gate.
B737-300 flight crew experiences the loss of the B hydraulic system during climb.  After securing both pumps the flight continues to destination (short flight) for landing with the B system inoperative and the flaps at 15 degrees.