INTRO:
Hey everyone, Cody here and I’m a real world Q400 pilot looking to shed some light on the Q400 we have here in Infinite Flight. I tried as best I could to keep it as simple and digestable as possible but any criticism is welcome as I plan to update this information as necessary.
Although our model may be outdated, it really does behave mostly like the real thing just with a little bit of modification based on the physics and systems we have available to us. The following is just how I’ve applied real world experience to the model we have here in IF and it is simply here as a tool to enhance your experience. That being said, this information is obviously completely unofficial, and it certainly does not cover the full complexities of the actual aircraft so do only take this for what it’s worth :)
Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren - Runway Girl Network
BOMBARDIER DASH 8 Q400 AIRCRAFT GUIDE
General info
GENERAL INFO
~ 2 Pratt & Whitney PW150A engines that together produce over 10,000HP
~ Service ceiling of FL250 although FL270 may be used
~ Speed of 360Ktas
~ Max seating capacity of 78
~ Range of 1100nm
A few notes:
~ I left trim out of the equation as it doesn’t have much complexity in the real thing and I find it to be a subjective value here in IF because it depends on how you have your device calibrated (as well as personal preference)
~ The spoilers should be armed before takeoff, and remain armed throughout the flight, until taxi in
~ The Q400 does not have autothrottle, so I do recommend flying it without speed mode on the autopilot. (Although I might suggest you engage it during cruise so your speed doesn’t creep into the red while you’re mowing the lawn)
~ Landing basically requires no input… land with power on and let ground effect do all the work
~ Start the #2 engine at the gate before push. And start #1 before taxi or before departure
~ Single engine taxi procedures are conducted with the #2 engine
~ Power setting in % means throttle position
Takeoff & Climb
FLAP SETTINGS
Flap 5: Use for any normal takeoff
Flap 10: Use for additional performance
Flap 15: Bush plane mode
TAKEOFF DATA
Note: Initial climb speed: V2 + 15 and is above Vfri
Format: Rotate / Initial Climb Speed
| Load | Flap 5 | Flap 10 | Flap 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12% | 108 / 124 | 104 / 120 | 100 / 115 |
| 30% | 108 / 128 | 104 / 120 | 100 / 116 |
| 47% | 113 / 134 | 104 / 125 | 101 / 121 |
| 64% | 121 / 140 | 111 / 131 | 108 / 126 |
| 82% | 126 / 145 | 117 / 132 | 114 / 131 |
| 100% | 133 / 151 | 124 / 141 | 120 / 136 |
POWER SETTINGS
90% PWR for normal ops (Normal Takeoff Power [NTOP])
100% PWR for max performance (Max Takeoff Power [MTOP])
83-89% Low density alt/long runways (Reduced Takeoff Power [RTOP])
Use caution when operating with reduced power and high load
TAKEOFF PROFILE
Note: Avoid climb rates of less than 1000’/min
Note: Pitch as required to continue acceleration
~ Advance PWR smoothly to takeoff power
~ At Vr, pitch for 5 degrees till airborne
~ Continue to pitch nose up to maintain initial climb speed to 1000AAE (max 15 degrees)
~ At 1000AAE, pitch for 5 to 10 degrees as required to accelerate
~ Ensure accelerating and select Flaps 0
~ At 175kt, set clb pwr of 75% and continue to accelerate
Note: Max 200 below 3000’ AGL
~ At 3000’ AGL pitch for 4 degrees and continue to accelerate
Note Max 245 below 8000’
~ At 10,000’, Maintain 4 degrees pitch at 75% PWR to cruise altitude
The key here is to get the airspeed up because the performance significantly improves as you get closer to 240kts
Cruise & Descent
CRUISE
~ Reduce PWR from 75% to a power setting that maintains:
- Vmo minus 5 or…
- Flight planned cruise speed
DESCENT
~ Normally a 2 - 3 degree slop is used so the VNAV profile is reccomended
~ PWR such that IAS = Vmo minus 5
Approach & Landing
FLAP SETTINGS
Flap 15: Vapp=Vref+10 (Flap 15 recommended)
Flap 35: Vapp=Vref. (Flap 35 for shorter landing dist and slower approach speeds)
LANDING DATA
Note: Obtain Vapp by 500’ AGL
~ Flap 35: Vapp=Vref.
~ Flap 15: Vapp=Vref+10
Format: Vref
| Load | Flap 15 | Flap 35 |
|---|---|---|
| 12% | 105 | 101 |
| 30% | 107 | 103 |
| 47% | 113 | 108 |
| 64% | 119 | 113 |
| 82% | 124 | 118 |
| 100% | 129 | 123 |
LANDING PROFILE
~ 20nm from touchdown - Slow to 190Kts
~ At 190kts - Select Flap 5 - Target 180kts
~ At 180kts - Select gear down - Target 170kts
~ At 170kts - Select Flap 10 - Target 160kts
~ At 160kts - Select Flap 15* - Target 140kts
~ At 140kts - Select Flap 35 (if required) - Slow to Vapp
(Flp 15: Vref+10 // Flp 35: Vref)
~ Land with power on, little to no flare required
~ Max 5 degrees nose up at touchdown
~ Reverse not required, only as desired
Being our only turboprop airliner, the Q400 is unique and its capabilities are worth enjoying. It’s super easy to fly in Infinite Flight and can get you in and out of some incredibly special places so I hope it can find a place in your logbook :)
Please leave you questions and suggestions below! :)
