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Can Bombardier’s Q400 Save Regional Air Service in the US?
America’s regional airlines are faced with an acute and worsening pilot shortage. The threat of the pilot shortage, combined with the pre-existing decline in the fortunes of small air travel markets, could see between 40 and 50 US airports wiped off the commercial airline route network in the United States. But the solution to these problems might already exist–in the form of Bombardier’s Q400 turboprop. (airchive.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Firstly, the pilot issue is too many barriers to entry, high cost of education, QOL and low pay hands down. But aside from that the Q400 makes a lot of sense especially for places like Philly International or the satellite airports (Trention, ILG, etc)... It can use shorter runways and right now runway 17/35 is basically only used for landings and smaller Dash 8 departures.. Imagine if they could use that for more departures on longer routes (Q400 range routes)? Guzzling gas just for customer perception is stupid. The Q is one of the most advanced aircraft out there and is totally safe, reliable, and efficient. I'm all for it.
That 17/35 is real close to the regional terminal at PHL and it has really helped Piedmont over the years... They get to it very quickly and out of there without waiting inline... A Perfect combination... I do not think that runway would work for a full 400 as a full 300 cannot use it, It is perfect for the 100's however.
A heavy Dash 8 can't come off in 6500 ft.???
A Fully loaded 100 can, the problem is with a fully loaded 300 at max weight won't have enough runway left for Rejected Take Off... At least that is the way it is listed in the Piedmont Manuals. I used to work for them in maintenance and maintenance control for a number of years.
The 400 has loads of power and can utilize 6500ft full. Its a great airplane and I miss the hell out of it.
Before embarking on a turboprop purchase, the airlines had better poll the paying public and ask if they would fly on one first. I remember seeing a similar poll done years ago and the US flying public does not like turboprops due the noise and vibration. If anyone has flown in a Dash 8 (-100,-200,-300,-400) they are much noisier than any jet RJ and tend to be about 100 knots slower. Unless your flight is 1 hour or less there will be an aversion to flying on a turboprop.