Q400 operators
 

Hello fellow Aviators;

I am looking for operational information on the Q400.

If you are or have operated or dispatched a Q400 recently I would very much like to pump you for real life info.

In particular I'd like to establish performance data but, I am reluctant to use Manufacturers sales pitch info.

I'd like to know real TAS, alt. capability, fuel burn etc. I anyone has access to a simplified Flight planning graph or software I would really appreciate it

I'm operating in a tropical climate, shortest sector about 100nm, longest 800nm with most falling around 3 - 600nm.

Compensation is offered in Beer, Rum, Jerk Chicken or Marinated Conch currency:O

Thanks
fluf

The Q400 performes quite well, not behind the book figures normally.
Only problem is it stinks! And fails every once in a while (read: one per week).
My current outfit is desperately trying to get rid of them, would rather take ATR!

Q400 operators
 

We have a god dispatch rate (fantastic technicians), at MTOM FL250 is possible with about 330TAS/M.5.

There's no harm trusting in BBD's figures about the machine.

Dash8Driver is correct.

Just a little addition: of course, performance is a bit dependent on temperature. While I have never had to reject the intention to climb to FL250 yet, high OATs tend to make the last 2-3000ft a chore.

With regards to fuel consumption: at maximum cruise rating and FL250, expect around 330-360kTAS (weight and OAT dependent) and a fuel flow of 2500lbs/h. In case of no performance limits on departure or landing, MZFM allows for 6930lbs of takeoff fuel, so assuming IFR reserves of 1800lbs, a distance of 600NAM should be well feasible; anything beyond that would require lessening the passenger load. Mind You, the MZFM of 57.000lbs is rather generously calculated and in my experience only limiting in case of a full pax load, much luggage plus some cargo - a full pax cabin without cargo will show a ZFM of around 55 to 56.000lbs typically in our operation, so the figures I estimated above are highly conservative. In case You like to calculate for Yourself, a ballpark DOM figure would be at 42.000lbs.

Thank you
 

Thanks all:

That is why I like to ask people with operational experience; you get the real scoop!

fluf