Would you fly a turboprop?
 

We're going to Yellowstone in September. There's a flight into Bozeman, Montana, attractively priced on Lynx Aviation (a subsidiary of Frontier) out of Denver. This would also be convenient for us.
My question is, has anyone expeienced the new Bombardier Q400? Reviews say it rides like a dream, for a turbo, and you'd never guess it wasn't a jet. It's quieter, and rides smoother than the older models.

I'm trying to convince hubby to try it. Unfortunately, this is the same model that crashed recently near Buffalo. That mishap is sounding like pilot error. Any thoughts? Any experiences riding on this, or a similar plane?

First of all, I would stongly suggest to everyone that bthey wait until the final NTSB report before assigning the causes to the tragic accident in Buffalo.

That said, as luck would have it, all commercial airplanes these days are actually flown by pilots. Therefore, pilot error is possible in any one of them, and it doesn't matter all that much whether it's a jet or a propellor aircraft. The good news is that it usually takes a whole series of events before there's a catastrophic conclusion to a flight.

Far more people will win $1 million dollars in state lotteries this year than will be killed in airplane crashes. So your chances of actually surviving are quite reasonable.

<<< Unfortunately, this is the same model that crashed recently near Buffalo. >>>

Have you stopped flying Airbus aircraft since one of them decided to imitate a duck?

The results between the Turboprop and the Airbus are rather different. I'm not an alarmist, but do prefer to avoid prop planes.

I would avoid it during the winter. In September you should be fine.

About 2+ years ago, I flew Baboo Airlines (honest -It's called Fly Baboo) from Geneva to Venice.

I loved it. Usually turboprops fly a bit lower. The views flying over the Alps were magnificent.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Bombardier is a very reputable airline manufacturer. Those that have flow the smaller commercial jets for subsidiaries of larger companies, such as American Eagle, with swear that there is really no difference in planes, except the size.

Notice that no blame was assigned to the airplane in the crash you described. If someone crashes a Ford on the freeway, does that make all Fords suspect?

<<< The results between the Turboprop and the Airbus are rather different. >>>

Are you stopping flying 737s?

Turboprops are generally flown by regional airlines. Most of the pilots tend to be younger and have fewer total flying hours.

But these pilots also make more takeoffs and landings each day they work, as they fly shorter routes; so they have more practice. That's unlike a senior longhaul 747/767/777 pilot at a major airline who may not take off or land a plane more than 2-3 times a month (and probably spend more time each month in a simulator to keep his skills "fresh" than performing landings and takeoffs in real planes).

The Q400 ("Dash-8") is hardly new; they've been flying for a decade. They're workhorses of the sky and have excellent safety records. I fly on them frequently and have no complaints, other than the overhead compartments not holding my rollaboard or other nitpicky items. I would be more concerned with the drive to the airport than the flight on the Dash-8.

First Q400 was delivered in 2000. First Dash-8 was delivered in 1983.

Hi. Yes, I would. I don't think the safety track records of turboprops are worse than for regular jet planes. I have flown turboprops many times...even the models that SAS had problems with a couple of years back.

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Thanks everyone. I didn't mean to imply that turboprops are unsafe, or that I know what caused the Continental Express crash near Buffalo. I've read all the stories about the autopilot being left on when discouraged in icing conditions,and that the pilots were relatively inexperienced.

What I really wanted to know is,how does the Q400 ride, in the opinion of a passenger? My husband is a skittish flier, so if the ride is likely to be bumpy, I'll have my hands full coaxing him on. In other words, if a jet is a one-Valium flight, would this be a 2-Valium trip for him, lol?

In smooth air, the Q400s have smooth rides. In bumpy air...

They're relatively small planes compared to mainline jets, but they're big enough that you won't get tossed around like in a private plane. However, Denver to Bozeman is through mountainous regions, and bumpy air is part of the deal. If you want to fly to Yellowstone or neighboring areas, you're probably going to have to make allowances for the geography.

To me, the biggest issue with some of the turboprops and regional jets is the room. If you think a bigger jet is cramped with tight seats ...

I love turboprops even if some are noisy, you can see what is down below. Just a different experience - truth is I love any airplane and flying.

I HATE the Q400! Yes, it's more bumpy than even a regional jet (let alone a mainline aircraft), and it's soooo sloooow. About the only positive this aircraft has over a regional jet is when you stand up, you have more room. But, how long do you really stand up in an aircraft?

Thus, if your husband is especially skittish about bumpy flights, I'd avoid props in general, and especially the Q400.

And, from the reports I have heard, some foreign governments are taking a long look at the safety & performance record of the Q400 . . .