I flew the SAAB2000 in Europe for 3 years. Now I have flown the CRJ in the US for 3 years. The CRJ is harder to fly, but mosty because the SAAB2000 was so advanced. Fly-by-wire, FADEC, etc. It was generally very stable and easy to fly. The CRJ is less stable and somewhat of a handful in crosswinds. A V1 cut with a prop feathering problem in the SAAB2000 was a *****. But then again so is a V1 cut with a reverser unstowed in the CRJ.

Both have their challenges and easy points. Speed control in the SAAB was much easier. So were gusty crosswind landings. On the other hand, climing out at 290 knots indicated and cruising at 460 KTAS is not bad in the CRJ. Both have their niches. On the short east coast routes we do now, the SAAB would be better for most. But it would be helacious to take to STL from PHL or something like that.

The SAAB did those 6.67 degree GS approaches in the mountains a bit better than the CRJ would!! 17 degrees nose down gets your attention, but was managable in the SAAB when transitioning from the GS to the visual part of the approach. Anyway....

Which should get paid more? Hmmm....

All are underpaid.