Liedetectors From United States of America, joined Jul 2005, 357 posts, RR: 0 Posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 7835 times:
hey guys. as the title says, what is it like flying on a Beech 1900D? I am flying next week from CLE to Bradford, PA via Jamestown, NY. This is my first time on a B19D and am wondering what it will be like? I know it is small, but is it an overly comfortable plane? how does it fair turbulence? in looking at the seat map on CO.com, looks like I might be the only passenger!
797 From Venezuela, joined Aug 2005, 1821 posts, RR: 26 Reply 1, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 7815 times:
Not sure how are these ones configured... if you travel in the upper deck then you'll have PTVs for sure... otherwise, you'll have a comfy 1-1 layout and a pretty fun ride
I flew it in Venezuela, it was kind of fun. I've been in those a couple times and can't complain. I'm not sure if the cockpit is open, as it is in Venezuela... try to get the first left seat so you can have a cool view of the pilots.
The plane is kinda slow, doesn't climb and descent too fast, but in the end, those are made to go to near places.
I bet you'll like it.
Enjoy!
Flying isn't dangerous. Crashing is what's dangerous!
Acey559 From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 1338 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 7753 times:
A couple of my professors here were former 1900 pilots from Skyway. They liked the plane well enough, they said it was easy to fly, etc. One thing they always thought was funny was in icing conditions when there would be ice shedding from the props and it would hit the fuselage pretty hard, which sounded pretty nasty. They got a lot of nervous looks on the way out, but once they explained what it was and that there was no danger people were okay. Enjoy your flight on a little something different, and if you wouldn't mind posting a TR when you're done that'd be great!
Gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 4, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 7752 times:
I flew it twice in New Zeland a few years ago, once from Nelson to Wellington, then again from Hamilton to Auckland (very short flight, was scheduled to be Taupo, but flight was canx). I thought the small 1-1 cabin was brilliant, along with there beign no cockpit door. Wellington is well known for their bumpy arrivals, so flying into there was like being on a rollercoaster. Very enjoyable! Not the most attractive of planes, but a nice ride.
F9Animal From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4736 posts, RR: 30 Reply 6, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 7711 times:
It can be bumpy, just like any smaller aircraft. Try and get a seat up front, as if you do have turbulence, you will certainly notice it if you sit in the back. Plus, you usually get one heck of a cockpit view if you sit in the first row. Most pilots will keep the curtain open for ya. I love the 19 seaters!
D328 From United States of America, joined Jul 2007, 294 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 7657 times:
Have fun on the B1900, my friend is a Gate Agent in JHW for Gulfstream. She's been complaining about Gulfstream not being able to fly in the snow. Haha.
Access-Air From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 1939 posts, RR: 15 Reply 8, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 7652 times:
I have flown on many 1900Cs as well as 1900Ds and they are a great little plane....
The C Model is tight because you cannot stand up and must stoop ove to get to your seats, but the D model is full stand up unless you arelike 6 feet 5 inches tall..LOL...
I have never felt unsafe or afraid to fly in a 1900 of both types....I have flown on them thru icing conditions and just as Acey says, the ice flung from the props hits the ice sheild on the fuselage but thats good because I know the de ice boots on the props are doing their jobs.
Have fun on your trip and please let us know you like it....
Access-Air
p.s. for Xxcr, some of the bumpiest and scariest flights I have been on have been aircraft of DC9-30 size and larger....So just because a plane is smaller doesnt make it unsafe or bumpier.
TN757Flyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 9, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 7645 times:
Quoting F9Animal (Reply 6): It can be bumpy, just like any smaller aircraft. Try and get a seat up front, as if you do have turbulence, you will certainly notice it if you sit in the back. Plus, you usually get one heck of a cockpit view if you sit in the first row. Most pilots will keep the curtain open for ya. I love the 19 seaters!
Not bad, better than the old San Antonio Sewer Pipes (SWM). I'd give it the highest grade of any 19 seater I've been on, and I've been on most all.
Type-Rated From United States of America, joined Sep 1999, 4349 posts, RR: 20 Reply 10, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 7588 times:
SWM = Swearingen Metroliner?
Fly North Central Airlines..The route of the Northliners!
Yeah, years ago when I lived in Dallas, a friend who used to work for Rio told me that was the "loving" phrase used by many rampers and pilots for the Metroliner.
Skymiler From United States of America, joined Aug 2007, 469 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days ago) and read 7520 times:
I flew BOS -> BTV about a year ago on Big Sky and it was kinda fun.
Got into the first row and watched the crew in action -- there was no cockpit door, and I had a good view of the instruments and out the cockpit window on the approach. (I used to fly myself, but since have decided that seats 0A and 0B belong to somebody else while I sit in 2 A or B and enjoy a cocktail!!).
It was a cool clear eveing and it climbed like a rocket -- I watched the altimiter spin up and up, almost like whirling dervish..
Sure, it was noisy and some vibration -- it is not terribly refined as aircraft go -- a Saab 340 seems much smoother -- but it was a bit of fun -- would not want to do a long flight, though!
The cockpit crew said they enjoyed the aircraft -- it was a decent performing and handling machine, with reasonable ecomomy, unlike the old SWM's, which simply converted fuel to noise!
Pgh234 From United States of America, joined Jul 2001, 790 posts, RR: 1 Reply 14, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days ago) and read 7455 times:
I have flown them from twice from NAS-FLL and PIT-CLE. They are certainly a unique flying experience for those of us not quite used to such small planes. Everyone on my flight said that it felt like riding in a mini-van. No bathrooms, no flight attendents, and you can see out of the front windshield! The pilot acually brought up some luggage that wouldn't fit in the hold and buckled it in to one of the empty seats.
F9Animal From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4736 posts, RR: 30 Reply 15, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days ago) and read 7428 times:
Quoting TN757Flyer (Reply 9): Not bad, better than the old San Antonio Sewer Pipes (SWM). I'd give it the highest grade of any 19 seater I've been on, and I've been on most all.
I loved the ride on the Metro. When OO had them, I would fly on them every chance I could. The ride into PSP, LAS, and SGU in the summer months was not for those that were scared of bumps. It was a ride, that is for sure. We would seriously be tugging our seatbelts, especially into PSP. Oh, I miss those days. I enjoy turbulence actually. I guess I am nuts.
Xxcr From United States of America, joined Oct 2008, 44 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (4 years 6 months 6 days ago) and read 7403 times:
Quoting Access-Air (Reply 8): p.s. for Xxcr, some of the bumpiest and scariest flights I have been on have been aircraft of DC9-30 size and larger....So just because a plane is smaller doesnt make it unsafe or bumpier.
i must agree, i just had a bad experience i guess. but who knows, maybe i'll get a flight on one that is good. we'll just wait and find out. lol!!
DUALRATED From United States of America, joined May 2008, 1001 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 7375 times:
Vivekman2006 From India, joined May 2006, 514 posts, RR: 3 Reply 18, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 7345 times:
I just flew on a Beech 1900D last week on a mountain sightseeing flight in Nepal. The aircraft was an 18 seater, and was pretty comfortable. Although it is quite noisy, you get used to it by the time you take-off.
We did not face any major swaying or vibration even when we passed through a layer of clouds. However, rain clouds and strong winds could be a factor to consider.
Sandyb123 From UK - Scotland, joined Oct 2007, 868 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 7332 times:
Quoting 797 (Reply 1): if you travel in the upper deck then you'll have PTVs for sure... otherwise, you'll have a comfy 1-1 layout and a pretty fun ride
Asuflyer05 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 2369 posts, RR: 3 Reply 20, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 7329 times:
I flew one Vegas-Visalia-Merced-Vegas about a year ago. It was pretty fun, just make sure to pee before you get onboard.
DukeofDashes From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 21, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 7304 times:
I did a round trip LAS-HII on it one summer day. The ride was rather bumpy, especially on the way back during the hottest part of the day. The part that caught me by surprise (and this was before I knew the rules about flight attendants) was when the F.O. came out of the cockpit to do the safety briefing. That was a new experience.
Another intresting aspect about the aircraft is how the size of the plane makes you bond with your fellow passenger. Most of the time these flights go out with only 8 or 9 people, and with every seat so close, it's easier to talk with and understand your fellow passenger's knowledge and abilities, just in case sh*t happens.
F9Animal From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 4736 posts, RR: 30 Reply 22, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 7259 times:
Uhhhhh. Yeah... I take it you have not flown the 1900D? It is really nice on the upper deck.
Quoting Asuflyer05 (Reply 20): I flew one Vegas-Visalia-Merced-Vegas about a year ago. It was pretty fun, just make sure to pee before you get onboard.
Unless you get to fly on the upper deck. LOL!
Quoting DukeofDashes (Reply 21): I did a round trip LAS-HII on it one summer day. The ride was rather bumpy, especially on the way back during the hottest part of the day. The part that caught me by surprise (and this was before I knew the rules about flight attendants) was when the F.O. came out of the cockpit to do the safety briefing. That was a new experience.
Another intresting aspect about the aircraft is how the size of the plane makes you bond with your fellow passenger. Most of the time these flights go out with only 8 or 9 people, and with every seat so close, it's easier to talk with and understand your fellow passenger's knowledge and abilities, just in case sh*t happens.
The worst experience in that was when someone passed gas on a flight I was on once. It kept going through the cabin over and over again. I thought I was going to puke.
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 23, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 7240 times:
Quoting F9Animal (Reply 22): Uhhhhh. Yeah... I take it you have not flown the 1900D? It is really nice on the upper deck.
Hopefully its top speed isn't too great so you go flying off that thing on takeoff!
Great little plane, however there's this funny bump inside the cabin where the wings are and be careful or you could possibly hit your head. Everyone gets a window and aisle seat and you can look right through to the cockpit. I would probably rather fly another plane if the flight was an hr or more but it'd still be bearable for me.
Chugach From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 1041 posts, RR: 3 Reply 24, posted (4 years 6 months 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 7161 times:
I've flown Era's 1900's and Penair's SWM's here in Alaska, and the 1900 wins hands down. At least you can stand up on the 1900.
GO ROCKETS
25 Isitsafenow: Every seat is a window seat.......every seat is an aisle seat. Best seat is first or second row behind the wing. Poor seats are next to engine or very
26 JBo: Except for 9B ... the best seat in the house if you're on a light flight and can get the back row to yourself. Stretch your legs down the aisle.
27 Skydrol: Have to agree with the aisle seat - window seat comment! Seats further aft are quieter. Front seats are loud, but allow a great view of the cockpit a
28 TheGreatChecko: That is an extremely rare option on a 1900. My previous airline flew them for up to 3 hours nonstop, with no lav. We never had any issues on those fl
29 Maverick623: Although I don't know of any American operator that has lavs installed on them. Anyways the best comparison I can make is connecting from a 1900D to
30 Isitsafenow: WOW!! Now there's a new one! By the way, where are the bags put now that we have a lav instead of a baggage hold? safe
31 HT: Copy that. Bring some hearing protection ! Apart form that I had a very nice ride on CO-Express TPA to RSW as the only pax a few years ago; continuat
32 CairnterriAIR: You'll love the lay flat beds up in first class! Kidding aside, I have flown this type a few times and for a fan of aviation it is a fun ride...more o
33 JBo: Exactly what I'm thinking! Weight & balance can NOT be fun with the weight of the lav back there ... probably can't get very many bags on a full flig
34 TheGreatChecko: In a 1900, weight in the back is a good thing. On am empty flight, one usually had to ask passengers to sit in the back, especially if they were of t
35 Skydrol: Maybe for this reason there are some many strakes, fins, and stabilizers on the rear fuselage and tail? (Off topic, but does anyone remember the term
36 Skydrol: Very true!!! I am 200LB + and have been assigned the last row most of the time, and have been asked to move back on a few occasions. Now I usually ju
37 Northwest727: God have mercy on the poor souls who have to fly on a BE1900D with a pax that has the Hershey squirts. One small airplane+seats very close to the lav
38 Liedetectors: Thanks for the insite guys, today is the day! I am sitting in CLE as we speak waiting to get on my already delayed flight on the B1900! what i am conc
39 Dc863: If you've ever flown on a B-17 then you'll love the 1900. All you need is a waist gun position.
40 Skydrol: The event you suggest is not really that bad. After all, there is a blue-water flush toilet. Now consider the same situation in a 19 seat B1900D with
41 Northwest727: Having known some BE1900D pilots, I know very well of that situation from the stories they have told. While I was just having fun with my last post,
42 TDubJFK: You were on a BigSky 1900 and had a cocktail served to you? Say whaaaat? What was the loving phrase? That last row was a killer - esp that middle sea