Perhaps the best analogy I can give is that if an Embraer 195 is an Audi R10, then a Dash 8 is a Caterham or TVR. The R10 is faster in a straight line but less of a challenge and arguably less rewarding for the aviator in you.
Arguably that depends on each individual concerned. Why do most people want to fly the Embraer if it is less rewarding? You can't cite the extra 300 quid a month as great compensation either.
It has some avionics quirks that can really trip you up
Its ice protection systems are totally manual
Its power levers are highly sensitive right where you don't want them to be and there is no autothrottle.
In an engine failure situation like all turboprops it has a whole extra set of levers to worry about/feather/do something useful with etc.
Again, to which 'jet' are you comparing?
- Avionic quirks, every type will have these if you don't understand what you're putting in or why you're getting something out, a proper FMS has it's quirks and problems aswell.
- Manual ice protection, yes, you have to turn them on all on your own, but unlike some old turboprops your boots are split and cycle automatically as opposed to the full length boot which needs to be monitored and cycled manually, so not really totally manual are they? The 146 and the 737 have manual ice protection too, and they're jets.
- True, but you get used to it and autothrottle is sometimes as useful as not having it at all. Also a jet engine is less responsive when you need it to be more so, which would you rather have?
- What, two more levers are hard to cope with?! Levers which it doesn't need either, great idea that one! The C/L's also double as fuel cut off switches. So for an engine failure there are the same number of required actions as there are on the 195.
we used to fly up to 270kts IAS down to around FL100 and we frequently climb out at 240kts
Not using the correct profiles then, don't worry we all did it. Why, because the Dash is too slow to operate properly in todays air traffic environment. VMO exceedence ring any bells?
I agree with everything else you've said though
Especially the TVR bit as they have a similar reliability history!