The Dreaded Flight 852 (First Air)

[Donald]

Article, well more like an editorial, in the latest issue of Up Here magazine, paints a very unflattering picture of the ATR-42 and First Air's turbo-prop flights in general. Clearly, the writer (a former 7F F/A) over-dramatizes a bit and maybe has an axe to grind. The question for me though, is First Air doing anything to counteract this negativity? Lawsuit?

[iflyforpie]

It isn't libel if it is true.

[SII]

The question for me though, is First Air doing anything to counteract this negativity? Lawsuit?

your going to sue a magazine cause they had an opinion?

[fish4life]

if anything it is publicity for First Air, although compared to other aircraft operated in the arctic (except 737's) the ATR is a nice ride pretty roomy and reasonably quiet

[Changes in Latitudes]

This person hasn't gotten out much if they think working an ATR42 for First Air is that dreadful. If that individual had a problem they had every option to voice their concern to their superiors and/or union representatives. Sounds like someone with an axe to grind just took the low road once again.

First Air is a class establishment with a great turboprop fleet.

[5400AirportRdSouth]

I've searched their website pretty well and can't find the article.... link?

[NJ]

Isn't Up Here Magazine their in-flight magazine?

[Changes in Latitudes]

You're thinking of "Above & Beyond"

[plhought]

Up Here's in the 5T planes....hmmm.....

[Captain X]

Is there a link to this article or is it only in print ?

[FICU]

Up Here's in the 5T planes....hmmm.....

Correction... "Up Here" was in 5T's planes and have been replaced with 5T's own magazine for at least 6 months.

Nice try...

[Busted]

Have to love the pics in the story.

If that is what an ATR looks like up front, I guess Beech now makes them.
Looks like Air Tindi's 1900.

[ettw]

Ya, the pics are all wrong. Doesnt matter which model ATR you're in, you are not going to see the cockpit with that bulkhead in front of you.

Cheers,

ETTW

[groundtoflightdeck]

I would like to read that if a link is available. Did 852 many times- 12.5hr day and 7 legs... good productivity and the FAs often get a leg with no passengers... get over it 'muffin' and get to work! Its not a bad day at all...

[luckheed]

I think you have to read the article and put it in context to where First Air operates. The author could have put more background to the remote locales that "dreaded 852" serves, as well as the lack of support and resources encountered when flying up in the Arctic, which would have provided the proper backdrop to her dreaded 852. Yes if you are used to flying down south you might be appalled at the description of the flight but anyone who's flown up north would know exactly what she is writing about.
I read it and I think its a very well written article that tells the tales of the passengers and of the people who call the Arctic home, and how First Air's flight links them and their communities together under the harsh circumstances they operate under. I think its a well written article and is almost a tribute to the airlines that operate up there. Its more about the passengers than the flight itself. You can find it in this month's Up Here magazine.

[just curious]

Dunno, I read it yesterday.

Planes are not 737's with big galley, check.
Passengers travel a lot on medical travel, and are happy to go home, check
People throwing up is bad, check.

It isn't London-New York on the Concorde, which I think she had hoped for when she started. The lack of spa days should have tipped her off.

At least she didn't dwell on the Kitikmeot weather being grim a lot of the time.

[Nark]

For those of us who don't have to lace up Mukluks on a daily basis, can you post a link to the article?

[Jean-Pierre]

No kidding. Please post text or at least summary. It is written by angry pilot? Same one that couldn't pass a ride and sued?