Any Q400 pilots?

[nice line-up]

I would like to know more about the Dash8-Q400. I've read somewhere that it is designed to fly up to 350 (!) knots during cruise, but only certified for 280 knots, is that correct? It frequently has to do engine run-up before departure, why? What is the maximum climb angle/climb rate it can do? I understand that SAS has decided never to be a launch customer anymore, due to problems with the Q400's. I've flown with them a couple of times, and I think it's a very comfortable aircraft (Q-uiet 400 ), but what do the pilots, who fly it, think?
<img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[Hollow Blade]

They had lots of problems with the Active Noise Cancelling system, plus lots of software failures.
I was told by a SAS pilot that at the "head-rest level", the plane is amazingly quiet, but when flight attendants stand up, at the "overhead bin level", they experience annoying noises...
I´ve seen it take off from Arlandia and WOOOWWW
It outclimbs most jets !!!!! Been in the cockpit. It is state of the art. It´s a pity they are experiencing those problems....hope Bombardier will fix them...would love to fly that baby sometime.
Don´t know about the runups...1st time I hear ´bout that...will ask.

Cheers.

[excrab]

280ish kts is Vmo equating to approx 350 TAS hence the two figures quoted.
The run-up before departure is to test prop overspeed governing and required on one sector every 24hrs (this was also originally required on D8-200/300 and will probably dropped as the fleet hours increase).
On rotation initial pitch angle is 15degrees giving about 5000 fpm rate of climb up to flap retract height then reduced to give the F/As a chance to push the trolleys, but with most of the climb at 4 degree deck angle (230-240ktias)reaches FL220 in about 8 minutes.
Most of the problems with SAS were to be expected with a new type - unfortunately no one knew it was a new type because Bombardier sold it to well as a variant (Flight international 4/12/01), but it isn't one in the same sense as the D8-200/300s are. Many of the snags were software glitches, the a/c being very computer orientated, and are being/have been solved with time.
In all the nearest thing to flying a jet except for flying a jet - shame the salary doesn't match up, especially in the right hand seat!