I flew the BaE 146 several times, usually between Nice and Geneva, or Nice and Biarritz and I liked it a lot.
First, it's cute. It looks like a scale model of a bigger one.
It's comfy --jets don't shake half as much as turboprops.
It has an impressive rate of climb --as far as I can tell. I was really amazed at the angle of ascent and the "push" on take off.
And yes, the flaps are noisy. But it never scared me. It actually sounds exactly like what it is: aerodynamic noises generated by extension/retraction of the flaps.
All in all this is what I call an healthy, cute little aircraft.
PS: for the fanatical flyers out here: I recommend the Nice/Geneva trip. Get a right side seat from Nice and a left side seat from Geneva. You'll be treated with a full view of the Alps and the plain of the Po river. Awesome.