Originally Posted by
VictorGolf
I believe in some quarters ATP stood for "Another Technical Problem". I seem to remember issues with the undercarriage but doubtless people with a more intimate knowledge will be along shortly. I only flew on it once, as SLF, and I must say it seemed to be an improvement over the 748.
ATP variously was variously held to stand for Aerospace Taking the P**s or Advanced Turbo Plough. Given my own very favourable opinion of the 748 and the (initially at least) appalling reputation held by the ATP, I usually referred to the ATP as the B******ised Budgie. Likewise, I knew an ATP captain who assured me that it was also known as the Yugo - "We broke it, you go fix it.
In fairness to the ATP, said captain confirmed a couple of years later that it was OK once the initial bugs were ironed out. By that time however the ATP / Jetstream 61 had lost out to the ATR series and the rest is history.