I'm curious about the automation level of a Q400. Relative to most any turboprop I'm guessing it's head and shoulders above them all. I'm wondering how it compares to to level of some of the newer generation jets. Example - with Airbus and I thing the ERJ 170/75/90 the level of automation basically has the crew monitoring things even during things like engine failures. Does the Q come close to this level of automation?

 

Would would you like Jet guys to do, Feather the Fan Blades???????????, but to answer your question I have talked to some Q 400 guys and yes it is very very advanced, just has two "power levers" no Condition levers or anything

 

take a look at www.Q400.com it has a bit of information on there for you.

As far as automation I can not compare it to anything but I do know that it is full glass, FMS, Automatic flight control system, full autopilot to include FLC and the ability to depict present position holds or any other procedure. It has FADEC which controls most features of the engine which is why it has just power levers. Compared to your RJs say erj 170 I would say it is equivalent minus 100 knots in cruise and about 16 thousand feet in service ceiling.

This info was recieved from the website as well as a friend who flies one for Horizon. Consider this just supplemental information to hold you over until someone who is currently on the line with either an RJ (SAAB) or someone who is on the line with the Q shows up

 

Shes a fine A/C, very impressive

 

Thanks, wasn't really looking for performance stuff. Just on a comparison of automation. More curious than anything.

 

Avionics

Automatic Flight Control System
Autopilot with Flight Director
Dual Attitude and Heading Reference System
Dual Air Data Computers
EFIS (Electronic Flight Instrument System)
Cat II capability
Engine and Systems Integrated Display (ESID)

Navigation
Dual VHF (VOR, Glideslope and Marker)
Dual ADF, DME and ATC Mode S
Single or Dual Flight Management System* with GPS
Cat IIIa Head-Up Guidance Display*
ACARS*

Communication
Dual VHF System
Service Interphone and Passenger Address System
HF System*

Other Systems
Standby Instruments
Radio Altimeter
Colour Weather Radar
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS)*
TCAS II/ACAS* (change 7)
Audio Integrating System
Cockpit Voice Recorder
Emergency Locator Transmitter (3 frequency optional)
Flight Data Recorder
Centralized Maintenance and Diagnostic System
* Optional

I would say it is equal to or greater to the other regional jets out there based on technology and automation alone

 

Aren't airbags and power windows/seats/locks an option? Moonroof?

 

no but the sunvisors actually are an option..because who really needs those

 

What about landing gear that doesn't collapse on landing?

 

Too expensive, so they hired better pilots instead