MOR, people do have a choice . If they don't like it then go with another carrier from say Gatwick if we were to use SOU as an example. Or indeed BOH. Do you really think an airline should put two a/c on a rotation so that people can choose their mount! Hardly.
As to the cabin size, my point being that often on the longer trips to say Salzburg, Geneva, Bergamo, Berne, Verona etc. The cabin crew would always comment on how the pax thought there was a much more family spirit in the cabin as everything was closer to the aisle and they could talk to the cabin crew. When full on these trips it does bring people together and be more sociable as if its their own private chartered a/c.
I like the 146, think it was a great invention. Shame it never got the modernisation as promised.
As our late fleet manager once said " This is not a flying club but an airline"
So if you don't like the aircraft that you work along side or indeed fly in as pax or as crew, then take a walk elsewhere where they have a mount that you can be seen in. As much as you hate it, I feel the Dash has been an important factor in our turnaround. We may need to grow into something bigger but until then it keeps us going. That said I am sure the 146 makes money on many routes but we all can't operate down to Malaga etc.
Its interesting to note that the Chief Test Pilot of the CAA is coming on line shortly as a Captain on the Q400. He is very excited to see what its all about. And guess what, he has flown fast jets to L1011's/757/767 etc etc. He has no problem with flying a turboprop.
As to your appraisal of the landings. Yes they can be firm. And yes they are a bitch to master. Sometimes you have it in the bag to be rewarded with a shudder! I wasn't specifically refering to the landings. More the use of props, flaps, taxiing with disc, I could go on. You have to remember that although our Tech officer is trying his hardest, he doesn't have the experience of the Dash that some earlier pilots have on the fleet. So some of the advice we get now is duff as are the supposed new SOP's. Written with no understanding of the problems we've had from the beginning and experience of operating on the line.
I agree the Dash probably isn't built aswell as the 146. But then what new aircarft is? Do we care? We lease them. Just lease a load more. But by then we may be a totally different company not requiring them anyway.
I do find it odd that you publicly slate your employers equipment when clearly this could have an adverse affect on your livelyhood. Shame on you sir. At least try and be a little evenhanded with your comments.
Oh and MOR the reason why we come on here and defend our aircraft is because your opinions do little justice to our business. This is a public forum.
And you now admit that the 146 and Dash have different missions...............At last!
And no the company have now stated they are looking at 120 seat aircraft, have you not read the notice. OR are you too busy in the mirror!