Yes. I stand by the comment. The Q400 is a bloody good machine. As a commercial tool it's unbeatable in its market area. OK it's not as comfortable from a pilot's point of view as an airbus but, operationally it's identical for practical purposes.
The presentation of the EFIS is very similar and the 'FMGC' logic is likewise. Leaving aside the cruise phase, the speeds (ie; in the terminal area) are very similar,too. The FMS is similar enough to be a good training tool - even if it is used under current SOPs like a glorified Trimble. What it lacks is auto thrust and a speed brake to make life easier.
And that's the real problem, from Flybe "management's" view point: they are not competeing in the retention stakes with turbo-prop operators but with airbus owners, who have come to recognise the value of Q400 experience in assesing suitability for employment.
The fact is that they are recruiting to the limit of capacity just to stand still. Something's gonna have to change to cope with the expansion (a doubling
at least of the aircraft fleet) planned for the next few years.
Note to Chief Operating Officer: 2.4%? You
are having a laugh, aren't you?
