bald seagull wrote: ↑Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:37 pm
So I decided to look up the ATR-42-320 numbers, because I've never flown one (used 'basic')......
- MTOW:
36,817 lbs
- Operational Empty Weight = 24,030 lbs (typical in service)
- Max Fuel Load = 9,921 lbs
- 22 pax x 188 lbs (avg male / female even split) = 4,136 lbs
Takeoff weight
no cargo or luggage =
38,087 (1,270 lbs over MTOW)
Takeoff distance @ MTOW - ISA - SL =
3,953
Fond du Lac runway length =
3,805
Will be interested to see what their fuel load was......
As mentioned, I've never flown the aircraft type, so if my numbers are off, jump in those who have flown the type.
http://www.atraircraft.com/products_app ... re2014.pdf
^^This.
That max weight of 36,817 lbs would be on a paved 10,000 foot runway with no obstacles off of the departure end, on a standard day. If we assume a more conservative fuel load of maybe 7,000 lb, and a bit of bags (either checked or carry on) and guess the TOW was 24,030lb+7,000lb+4,136lb+(22*30lb)=35,826 lb, then you're under the
structural max take off weight, but what about the WAT (weight, altitude temperature) limit for the runway? R28 is only 3,805 feet long, is gravel, and has a 0.43% upslope. I guess my armchair theory is that they
may have exceeded a performance limitation for the given conditions.
And as far as management washing their hands of the crew, I'll say this: Leaders lead by example. You can say, or write that you don't condone behaviour that contradicts SOP's and company FOM's but I've flown up there with a management pilot who did the exact opposite while on line. (I have no experience with WestWind as a pilot). Line pilots need to continue to subscribe the the Ass, Licence, Job principle as mentioned above in the thread.
It has been a long time since I posted on this forum, but this one hit too close to home to ignore. I empathize with the crew, and wish them to be flying the friendly skies asap.
CM