Future of ATR 42......

[sushant]

Hello. I am an Indian and was wondering of Line Training on the ATR 42. Actually I haven't come across any one who does that. I understand it's bcoz the aircraft is not so popular anymore. It is going out of trend and everyone is looking towards ATR 72-600. But just for the sake of argument, if one does line training on the ATR 42 and then transitions to ATR 72, then will it be considered favourable? There are a few companies which offer Line Training on the ATR 72 and they prefer EASA License, but I am FAA Rated hence I am looking for this alternative.

Kindly suggest....
Thank you.

[Oscar84]

Please, DON'T PAY TO FLY!!!

[latetonite]

Go for the 42, there are many available, mainly used to sell you line training.

[sushant]

Alright guys. It was just a thought. I am not in favour of it either.
But to keep this forum going, I want to know if ATR 42 is fading away or are they still being used for certain purposes like cargo or anything else..........

[ZFT]

There are something like 250 ATR 42 'Classics' and about 450 ATR 72 'Classics' still in service so nowhere near faded away yet with many airframes quite recent.

Currently about 25 ish 42-600s and 235 72-600 in service with many more than these on order.

[sushant]

Thanks a lot ZET. I am looking for future prospects with this aircraft. Your information is useful. Have a good day.

[pilotbaba]

How many hours will you get from the line training??
250 hrs or 500 hrs..
No matter how many hours, It won't matter...

Even after 1500 hrs, a turbo prop is a LOT of work, at 200 or 250 hrs, you will be basically a gear jockey, enjoying the joy rides from the right seat, pulling gear & flaps, wearing the pilots uniform & getting the feel of something like a airline pilot...

After your hours are finished, the airline will lease your seat to the next guy...

If you are getting those hours in a shady cargo outfit, you will be lucky to walk out alive...
Plus cargo hours will be pretty much useless as airlines want airline time..

Most of the learning happens from the Captains who will teach you but when you pay your way like this, no one will like you & you will be treated like a disgrace to the profession...

The stink is very hard to get off, it carries with you all your life...

So, don't waste your money on buying 500 hrs..

If you have the money & want to learn something, get out of India..
Go anywhere, preferably go to USA, fly some hours, get current & proficient again & do instructor rating & try to flight instruct for a while... Even buy a Cessna 152 in USA & fly it all the way to 1500 hrs, that will be cheaper & will get you more experience in real life than sitting right seat of self sponsored position..

Rest is up to you.... Best of luck...