The Embraer 190/195

[Piltdown Man]

I've been flying the Brazilian Bitch for a couple of years now. Overall, I think it's the nastiest aircraft I've ever flown.

Here's why it's nasty:

1. No mode button lights on the Guidance Panel and a 'two elephant" wait for the new mode to appear on the PFD.
2. Six button presses to do a 'Direct.'
3. FMC mode selection and operation: Select mode, find twiddle button, look at PFD to see what you are dialing up.
4. Bullworker® aileron loadings not related to roll rate nor aerodynamic loadings.
5. Dreadfully specified, horribly programmed FMS. Each and every section works differently. It's as if they give the development to YTS employees.
6. Real howlers in the manuals.
7. Fragile construction of holds, doors and interior fittings.
8. Dreadful ride in turbulence.
9. Poor Autobrake programming.
10. No useful performance data in FMS.
11. Random Speed mode when using FMS speeds on approach.
12. Untrustworthy vertical profile in VNAV resulting in high likelihood of overspeed.
13. Horrible jumpseat.
14. Passenger vibration devices have little effect on overall drag.
15. You need ape-like hands to use the AP TCS button.
16. The EFB is another of amateurish piece of software. The world moved to a GUI years ago but not the knobs who put this crock together. I know I could do better.

But to be fair, its good points are:

1. It doesn't use much runway, either taking of or landing. Performance is never like to be restricting.
2. You are not the slowest person in the sky.
3. Passengers like it.
4. No central bar under the seats means more bag stowage area.
5. Best (manual) brakes I've ever used
6. Excellent steering
7. Good engineering synoptic pages so tech. issues can be sorted promptly.
8. Loads of Ooomppff!
9. Ice isn't an issue. Ice speeds add seven to eight knots on approach speeds Flaps 5 only and 10% or so to LDRs, so a non-event.
10. It's very cheap.
11. Toilets people can actually poo in.
12. Towing light (Green/Red light).
13. Rapid APU availability.
14. Good synoptic pages on EICAS.
15. Looks pretty.
16. Good visibility from the cockpit.
17. Brilliant power lever response.
18. There are lots of them flying.
19. External power can light the cabin and holds when you are not present (APU not permitted to run un-attended).
20. It's pretty good with fuel, say 1,800 kgs/hr with 100 pax and bags at 460 kts.
21. The FPV has always told the truth.

To be fair to the aircraft, it is an excellent glider so it's important not to rush and to take your time. Do not be forced into being hot and/or high. If you are unsure always ask for more track miles.

PM