Turboprop Boarding Question
 

I had a question about turbo props and boarding. Today I saw Lakes come into local airport and leave number two engine running while deplaneing and boarding. I was wondering if this is normal at smaller airports. It seems like it could be a safety issue.

Completely normal. Its called a single engine turn. The ground crew and flight crew safely coordinate the operation. Very simple, if you see the big propeller spinning don't walk towards it! Go inside the terminal or get on the plane! Listen to the ground crew or the flight crew.

If that was a Beech 1900 I don't think they have an APU. They probably kept the engine running because there was no ground power available.

That engine running is the passenger motivator.

Quoted for truth!

Nothing like death spinning and roaring and spitting away out there to get people on the airplane pronto.

Just don't chase the paperwork!

Wear earplugs. Trust me.

Regardless, 1900 laughs at ground power requirements. (usually)

It's about the quick-turn. Get 'em off get 'em on, gtfo.

Exactly. We had SCHEDULED 5 min turns when I was on the 1900. Those were always single engine turns. In hundreds of single engine turns only saw the paperwork turn into confetti once.

Had the log book on the air stars while Mx was writing something up . Single engine turn on number two. Swoop of wind came by and tossed the log book under the belly and got sucked up my the engine.

Logbook = 0
BE1900 engine = 1

Yeah, as others have said, it's completely normal and safe! We do it all the time, especially if we are running late or trying to catch a commute! Not only do the passengers get on and off faster, the ground agents seem to hustle a bit faster when it comes to turning the plane around!

If you watch in places like philly or charlotte you will see the dash's leave the number two running until ground power is hooked up if the APU is out.