snackysmores

Even if you come here and get the jet you will still upgrade in the Q400 which not only will delay the inevitable BUT it will make the transition even more difficult switching from an airplane that does everything for you to an airplane that does everything it can to try and kill you...and you have to be a captain calling the shots with 0 time in the aircraft. Not saying it can't be done but I already know a LOT of people are going to fail that transition, especially the people we've been hiring lately.

N19906

The Q400 eats the slow-witted for breakfast.
I'm finding myself "coaching" more often to avoid fubars on the line. VNAV is the most common culprit by far.

Griever

It gets everybody eventually. I've seen experienced captains fly thru an altitude because the flicked the thumb wheel during capture and the altsel turned off.

I've seen level vnav plans turn I to a slow vnav climb. If you don't watch this thing 24/7 it's WILL GET YOU.

JRReaume

So happy to know there's so much to look forward to.

snackysmores

LineGrinder400

You guys are brutal.. I'd be scared too hearing all of this. Coming from someone who flew this plane for many years here is what I remember and perhaps will ease some fears:

1) It's not as horrific to fly as it's being made out to be. Yes, it is a turboprop with associated more switches/levers than a comparable jet but it still has a glass cockpit and the FMS is straight forward for the most part. And yes, it does have its quirks but most became manageable after learning the plane. It’s just about learning the quirks.

2) It's not the greatest hand flying airplane (it's a heavier feel and it surprises some) but it's not trying to kill you every second. Just staying ahead of the plane and monitoring VNAV guidance to make sure it's doing what you want are the keys.

3) Landing the thing can take some getting use to, but once the flatter sight picture in the flare and holding power into the touchdown is figured out, it's not that bad. That being said, unexpected hard landings will happen.

4) Performance is solid.. lots of power and speed for a turboprop. The corresponding quicker pace especially on shorter legs might take some getting use to especially if coming from a G/A background. But just like learning any aircraft, it's all about getting the flows and procedures down cold on the ground and the transition will be much easier.

5) Like others have mentioned, great training program. Although different now then when I went through, still hearing it's one of the best in the regionals.

That all being said, as can be read all through these threads, do your due diligence in research before committing to QX. Great pilot group and not so long ago one of the most respected regionals by pilots. But times are different and QX has major issues to figure out with staffing and its future role within the Air Group. Also, many lifers remain there so while movement is occurring, be aware that puzzling “yes” votes to concession laden contract proposals seem to now be common place even in today’s market. And if you do get the Q, hard schedules will be a way of life until you fly another airplane. Lastly, when/if a PDX jet base opens, expect the jet to quickly go senior. Just my two cents. Best of luck

WSPLT

Don't let them scare you about the Q400, yes it has its quirks and gotchas, but I guarantee that you aren't going to make any mistakes that others haven't made many times before you. Honestly I like flying the Q400, it actually requires you to do pilot stuff, rather than strictly babysit automated systems, and it is actually a very capable airplane.

I thoroughly enjoy any opportunity I get to turn all the automation off and just hand fly the thing. After all, I became a pilot to fly airplanes.

As far as the training, you'll get out of it what you put into it. Study hard before you get to ground school, know the material and the flows. Do EXACTLY what they tell you to do in ground school, and work hard. Keep studying when you get to your sim. The more prepared you are when you get to the sim, the smoother it will go (the first couple won't go smoothly, expect that).

The training department is great, they are very good at what they do, and they will do everything they can to help you.

Remember, everybody wants you to pass, and they will help you do it.. but you do have to put the work in and earn it!

snackysmores

I agree with everything you said, my comments about it "being brutal" is more tailored to someone coming in as a Q400 Captain with zero experience on the airplane.

Learning the Q400 is tough enough as it is, and while our training department is excellent they cannot hold your hand during the simulator MV and LOE events. You will be expected to make life or death decisions on this airplane and and no one gets a free pass to the left seat. You must prove that you are a leader and all I'm trying to say is that the transition won't be an easy one when one has no experience.

RemiDenton

A simple google is failing me. What is WFFD?

snackysmores

Will fly for food

airlineinterviews.com works well too