The SAAB2000 is a terrific airplane too. But out of production and a very complex machine, probably unsuited to the abuse it would get here. When I flew them in Switzerland they were pretty maintainance intensive.

The other day I heard a Colgan Q400 on the frequency out east. The controller was asking their speed and then said that it was causing a bit of concern because it was too fast for the lower, normal turboprop altitudes but too slow for the normal jet altitudes. Doesn't really fit in well to the current scheme of how they ran it. That would be a lesser problem in less congested airspace of course.

Fact is though, that out east where I do about 98% of my flying the turborpops would be nicer. We are slowed to 250 so often it makes me sick. Of course, the fuel flow drops way back when at 250 knots at FL290, but it seems to kind of defeat the purpose of flying a jet.

Anyway, seems like most pilots like props, but passengers don't. I always get a kick out of the folks who would rather fly in a 40+ year old NWA DC-9 than a brand spanking new Q400!

Also, the SAAB2000 was WAY better to fly in the gusty, turbulent conditions that are common in the northeast US. Far better speed control coming down the ILS in a 25 knot gusty wind.