Random Q400 tips

[Tubkal]

Hey Q400 pilots

Would you mind sharing Q400 tips/facts, specially related with landing techniques, automation/fmc-autopilot relationship and the anti-ice system. I am planning to put them together in a document for my own reference and for other pilots.

Thank you !

[Jet Stream]

Call it random QTips

[cloudskimmer]

Already been done. Read first comment.

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comment ... me/cq26tut

[iflyforpie]

Don’t say you’re going to fly fast and then don’t.

[av8ts]

Gee I wonder who that is. E

[av8ts]

Already been done. Read first comment.

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comment ... me/cq26tut

Pretty much sums it up. Especially the brakes and heat/ac

[Hilroy]

Already been done. Read first comment.

https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/comment ... me/cq26tut

Best rant ever!!!

[Mr. North]

I loved flying the Q.

The autopilot can be a little aggressive though. Its parameters are often outside those of passenger comfort. For example, when intercepting a vertical descent, arming the VNAV typically causes a brief but noticeable pitch down. To smooth this out I was taught to start in VS. and only arming VNAV once your VDev is within +/- 30 ft. Anything more and you'll get that characteristic buck.

Same goes for intercepting an ILS. The LOC intercept is laughable so I always cheat a little with the HDG bug.

A little boost of power just prior to touchdown helps a good deal with a smooth landing. It is more challenging to land a greaser, but not impossible. Don't let that keep you from trying. My personal experience is too many Q pilots hide behind it's reputation as a rough lander and avoid making any effort. Any monkey can bang a Q on the numbers, takes real finesse to string a series of greasers together. Your crewmembers will notice!

[Cessna 180]

I loved flying the Q.

The autopilot can be a little aggressive though. Its parameters are often outside those of passenger comfort. For example, when intercepting a vertical descent, arming the VNAV typically causes a brief but noticeable pitch down. To smooth this out I was taught to start in VS. and only arming VNAV once your VDev is within +/- 30 ft. Anything more and you'll get that characteristic buck.

Same goes for intercepting an ILS. The LOC intercept is laughable so I always cheat a little with the HDG bug.

A little boost of power just prior to touchdown helps a good deal with a smooth landing. It is more challenging to land a greaser, but not impossible. Don't let that keep you from trying. My personal experience is too many Q pilots hide behind it's reputation as a rough lander and avoid making any effort. Any monkey can bang a Q on the numbers, takes real finesse to string a series of greasers together. Your crewmembers will notice!

not sure if it's newer generation Qs but the VNAV intercept seems to be okay now unless you arm it late (its ridiculous that you have to wait for 2 mins out and a lower alt set to set it haha). The LOC capturing is awful, especially if you're far out on the LOC. Trick seems to be to do a manual leg change in the FMS (if on vectors) and use the FMS to track inbound on the LOC until you're closer to the glideslope. You can even use the FMS to command heading and intercept the track which is far far smoother than intercepting a LOC.

[mixturerich]

As far as landing it goes...*cue Yoda voice* “You must unlearn what you have learned.”

[PostmasterGeneral]

I always found it intercepted localizers and tracks very well if you keep the brick centered, which you must do on this aircraft since it’s so sensitive to yaw. Without fail, every person I flew with who complained of a shitty intercept as it was happening still had their feet on the floor.

[PT6onH20]

keep a hoodie in your kit, year round. So much rudder trim.

[Topoff]

I always found it intercepted localizers and tracks very well if you keep the brick centered, which you must do on this aircraft since it’s so sensitive to yaw. Without fail, every person I flew with who complained of a shitty intercept as it was happening still had their feet on the floor.

agreed. it does a much better job intercepting when the turn is coordinated. And pretty much every landing requires power until touchdown.

[Inverted2]

My Weber BBQ has better brakes than the Q400

[DropTanks]

-

[bronson]

For smoother landings try pretending it's a taildragger and wheel it on. Works in the 300...

[iflyforpie]

Isn’t that hard on the nose gear?