Flybe Update - What's the Mood - Some Questions...
 

I am aware that there have been a few Flybe postings recently. However, I wanted to start a new posting with a few different questions:

1. With Flybe's announcement of new Dash 8-400s a few months back, what are the expectations for newhires in the near future? I am aware of the consolidation of the fleet types - so CRJ and Dash 200 pilots will likely go to the Q400s - right?

2. Will Gatwick-based pilots be transferred to the growing base at Southampton? If so, are most Gatwick-based pilots moving south or are they commuting from the Gatwick area?

3. Are SENIOR pilots on the CRJ and Q200 tending to transfer to the Dash 400 or the 146? Do they have a choice?

4. How do Flybe pilots like the Q400? How does it compare to previous aircraft flown? Pros and Cons?

5. Any news or rumors related to bigger equipment on the way in the future? I have read about Boeing/Airbus possibilities.


I am impressed with Flybe's growth out of Southampton and its expanded network to Southern Spain, etc. I understand that the economics of the Q400 are good and should also provide a platform for growth in the future. Sounds like Flybe would be a smart place to be in the future - do you agree? Appreciate any comments.


Cheers

Too many questions. I would like to know about the Dash 400 though - looks like a fast bird and fun to fly.

I am still flying all three types of Dash the Q200/300/400.

They all have their pros and cons. The smaller dashes have lots of charactor and big cessna 172 feel about them. A good hands on flying visual circuits type of thing.

The Q400 has a much bigger feel cos it is (mauw 29.5t)! Not as throw aboutable but nonetheless very fun. For a turbprop it is bloody good. It climbs well, and goes forward well. Much to some jet pilots disgust we have out performed them when they are heavy. Types like the 146 and F100.

It has its troubles. Build quality seems a bit sporadic. Sometimes they are fine then all manner of things spring up. Its more to do with the electronics than the structure. Seems a less forgiving computer system was fitted (cost?) so it spits the dummy out when not happy.

Great glass cockpit with lots of situational awareness, things could have been made even better but they kept it similar to the "classic" fleet for common types.

Because of its performance we are now doing much more interesting routes into Europe. Verona, Bergamo, Toulouse, Geneva, Brussels, Paris, Salzburg. And I'm sure more to come.

I like it and the company. Have no wish to fly the 146 as it now seems a backward move in terms of aircraft. Much prefer to wait for the B737/A319 if we get them. Here's hoping.

I think of the Q400 like a B757 of the turboprop world. Long, thin, overpowered, and goes up well. They just need looking after and then they will not go tech.

This bit sounds silly but I'm proud to fly em as they are not as common as the other stuff. You still get funny looks at airports. I like to be different.

stop it i'm droolling!
 

CAPTAIRPOX.

Sounds like the Q400 is settling in o.k.
I was reading in flight today about the improved european technical support for the a/c and also about its improving despatch rates.

I was one of the guys who was interviewed early on this year for the hold pool. I've been kickin my feet for 4 months or so and I can't wait for the letter to arrive.

Can you offer me any info on the current recruitment status and also on the anticipated delivery schedule of the new a\c ?
A friend of mine on the 146 fleet hinted that Bombardier were running late with deliverys of the new 400's.

I'm not sure wether to call the office and have a chat with George D. I dont want to come across as a pain in the ass before I even get started.

Cheers.:O

Next batch of Q400's are due to start being delivered from late November/early December.:ok: :ok:

Rgds
W.G

Thanks W.G
 

I'm assuming all the new Q400's are being crewed by existing pilots for the near future.
hopefully it won't be to much longer until they start calling the new guys in.

I'm trying not to get impatient and to just carry on with my Instucting but its not easy when I keep seeing you guys cruising overhead into Birmingham:ok: :)

:cool: