Hhh-dca In A Dash 8

[Art at ISP]

As I flew HHH-DCA yesterday in a Dash 8-Q200 of PDT (N996HA), I got to thinking about the idea of the Q400 flying for US--and you know what, I did not think badly of the idea.

I had expected the Q200 (or at least a 200) to fly this route as it is most likely one of the longest nonstops flown by the Dash (501 miles). This particular aircraft was one of the 3 "Q" series 200s that Piedmont had or has, and it was worlds apart from the regular -100's and -200's I am normally on. It had a fresh new interior which did not buzz constantly on takeoff and climb, and it made it up to FL250 with a full load, and I believe all the bags! Even without the electronic noise cancelling system active this was significantly quieter than the normal Dash.

Maybe we do need to take another look at the Q400 for long thin routes where RJ's may be too expensive.....

P.S. To the FO on my connection DCA-LGA yesterday, it was pleasure talking to you after the flight. Please feel free to PM me any time. We agreed on most of what we discussed. I wish you the best.

My best to you all......

 

[WSurf]

Well that just makes too much sense. Lets ditch the 25 CRJ-700 and replace with 25 Q-400.. Half the operating cost (70-78 seats), and legs 500 or less does it the same time as a jet. Plus it's quiter then the RJ with the new NVS system.

 

[WSurf]

Grrrr sorry need spell check.. its(quiet) not as loud as a RJ!!! lol....

 

[phllax]

I believe that I saw that the Q400 was in Salisbury last week. Horizon gets no complaints from their's, and even had one tie a jet between PDX-SEA recently.

 

[FM2436]

I believe that I saw that the Q400 was in Salisbury last week. Horizon gets no complaints from their's, and even had one tie a jet between PDX-SEA recently.

The Dash-8-400 was in Salisbury. It is very, very, very long. In fact the overall length is 10' greater than the Boeing 737-600 (Q400 @ 107' 9" - 737-600 @ 97' 9"). If I could figure out how to, I'd post a picture of the aircraft parked infront of Piedmont's SBY hangar. Inside the aircraft, with 70 seats, the leg room is greater than in most coach mainliners. The seats are narrow at 17.3", but the seats recline which was a nice surprise. Interestingly, inside the aircraft was a marked line that indicated the break-even/profit margin. According to the handouts given by the Bombardier folks, at a $85 fare for a 200 nm sector only 22 of the 70 seats need to be filled to break-even. Everything else is profit. Of course thats according to Bombardier. Fast cruise speed, according to the handout, is 414mph.

Rumor has it Bombardier is offering US Airways a sweetheart deal for the aircarft.

But with 70-78 seats, I don't think you'll see the aircraft flying between HGR and PIT. It seems to be the perfect aircraft for short haul, high frequency, high passenger markets.

 

[dash8ter]

I bet the Q400 can easily land and take off on the "commuter" runway in PHL. The aircraft could help relieve some of the congestion

 

[FM2436]

I bet the Q400 can easily land and take off on the "commuter" runway in PHL. The aircraft could help relieve some of the congestion

According the operator's manual Take-off Field Length (ISA conditions) at maximum gross weight (61,700 lbs) is 4,300' with 10 degree flaps, 4,200' with 15 degree flaps. The handout mentions the aircraft is currently operating from the downtown London City Airport (3,934' runway).

Also in the handout with 74 seats, on a 200 nm section and a fare of $65 only 29 of the 74 seats are needed to breakeven. And with 78 seats, on a 200 nm sector and a fare of only $50 38 of the 78 seats are needed to breakeven.

Again, those are Bombardier's figures.

 

[ITRADE]

Assuming the flight is not a continuation flight (i.e., the first flight of a two segment transcon or Caribbean run), I could easily see the 400Q on flights to RDU, GSO and the like from CLT, CLE and ERI to PHL, LGA and BWI to PHL, etc.

 

[ringmaruf]

And it would be terrific for places like HHH.

I even believe it could do CLT-EYW.

 

[ITRADE]

And it would be terrific for places like HHH.

I even believe it could do CLT-EYW.

Here's the CLT-HHH schedule (weekend). Its like a bus:


US Airways Express 4145 CLT HHH 835A 945A 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4210 CLT HHH 1015A 1125A 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4363 CLT HHH 1055A 1159A 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4281 CLT HHH 1235P 145P 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4324 CLT HHH 135P 245P 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4140 CLT HHH 205P 315P 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4452 CLT HHH 410P 520P 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4131 CLT HHH 625P 730P 0 DH3
US Airways Express 4459 CLT HHH 800P 910P 0 DH8
US Airways Express 4456 CLT HHH 1005P 1109P 0 DH8

 

[WSurf]

We used to do 14 flights a day, CLT-HHH and in the the summer we can pack in each flight. Nice flying the Dash 8/300, we can take 50 folks in and depending on wind and temp take about 30-40 out. A Jumpseater said that it was one of US Airways highest yeild markets... Hopefully that will never fall into the hands of a Contract Carrier (aka and then they screw up the service), I believe HHH has been happy with US Airways (piedmont) service down there so lets hope it stays that way!!!!

 

[longing4piedmont]

FWIW, I prefer the Dash 8/300 over the RJ anyday for a flight less that 1:30. Especially if I get row 2. Seats are much more comfortable than the Barbie Jet and I can stand up in it.