Flight Crew Last 90 Days 180; Flight Crew Total 40000; Flight Crew Type 4000
Human-Machine Interface; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Weight And Balance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors; Aircraft
At approximately 100 KTS on takeoff; I noticed that we were doing a reduced thrust takeoff. As we were going pretty fast; and the acceleration seemed to be very normal; I elected to continue the takeoff with the notion that if there were troubles; I would push the power up. I spoke with the Load Planning Supervisor the next morning; and he stated that there is some software glitch when there is landing weight limit; and then that limit is removed. In this case; in the background where it is not readily apparent to the Load Planner; the software removes the restriction against reduced thrust. He stated that the computer will sometimes; on its own; override the input of the Load Planner; and create a reduced thrust takeoff. He seemed to think that it is when there is an original runway or other limit; that is removed due to light loads; then the [takeoff] limit becomes controlling; and the computer overrides the 'No Reduced Thrust' command; and replaces it with an assumed temp. Apparently this outcome is not apparent to the Load Planner in the normal course of business.
B757 Captain reports noticing at 100 KTS during takeoff that reduced thrust is being used with full power being the planned setting. The takeoff is continued without adjustment. Discussion with the Load Planning Supervisor the next day indicates that the load planning computer has a mind of its own.