Czech Airlines ATR-72 Economy Trip Report
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
Bob
Air New Zealand have a fleet of 29 ATR aircraft, 26 of them the latest ATR72-600. This makes them one of the world's largest ATR operators and perfect for servicing the larger regional centres in New Zealand with flight times of about 40 to 90 minutes. All economy and only coffee and a cookie.
I've flown more than 100 flights on the ATR, they are little different from the jets in terms of comfort and the flight time difference is minimal on the typically short sectors. 4 across seating means everyone gets either a window or aisle seat. No dreaded middle seats!
For the business passenger the big saving is at either end of the flight with no security check, short boarding time and quick luggage pickup at the destination. I usually check in 30 minutes before departure and am out of the terminal in less than 15 minutes after touchdown.
Air NZ considered the Q400, particularly as they already operate 23 of the smaller Q300 aircraft to the really small regional centres in New Zealand. However, they went for ATR, which was cheaper to operate even though the Q400 was a bit faster and had better endurance and slightly better operating characteristics. The operational savings of the ATR were too good to ignore.
Anyway, nice to read your review Jeb. I see ATRs are slowly becoming more common in the USA, after loss of public confidence following some unfortunate episodes in the 90s. You might even be flying one from Greensboro one day!
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Air New Zealand have a fleet of 29 ATR aircraft, 26 of them the latest ATR72-600. This makes them one of the world's largest ATR operators and perfect for servicing the larger regional centres in New Zealand with flight times of about 40 to 90 minutes. All economy and only coffee and a cookie.
I've flown more than 100 flights on the ATR, they are little different from the jets in terms of comfort and the flight time difference is minimal on the typically short sectors. 4 across seating means everyone gets either a window or aisle seat. No dreaded middle seats!
For the business passenger the big saving is at either end of the flight with no security check, short boarding time and quick luggage pickup at the destination. I usually check in 30 minutes before departure and am out of the terminal in less than 15 minutes after touchdown.
Air NZ considered the Q400, particularly as they already operate 23 of the smaller Q300 aircraft to the really small regional centres in New Zealand. However, they went for ATR, which was cheaper to operate even though the Q400 was a bit faster and had better endurance and slightly better operating characteristics. The operational savings of the ATR were too good to ignore.
Anyway, nice to read your review Jeb. I see ATRs are slowly becoming more common in the USA, after loss of public confidence following some unfortunate episodes in the 90s. You might even be flying one from Greensboro one day!
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Frantiek
Thanks for the review! I live in Prague so for a long time I had been hoping you'd make a report on the national carrier sooner or later. I knew you were flying one of Czech Airlines' propellers and now seeing your video I really am glad you liked it so much! I flew their ATR45 once from Prague to Dusseldorf. That was the first time I flew such a small plane and it really was a great experience! I mean, the plane literally had only 13 rows, 7. 5 of which were rows of economy seats. I've never taken even a bus with fewer seats! lol
Hopefully, you'll get to try one of their A319s the next time you fly with OK. Love those! But if I can advise you, sometimes Czech Airlines' flights are operated by Smartwings' 737s. Let's say it doesn't have to be 100% smart to choose them over other airlines. They do have 17 grounded MAX 8s, but the service and rest of their 737 fleet (30) gives you this very low-budgety feeling.
If CSA is an option when I book my flights, I do fly them rather than most airlines. Maybe I have this little country syndrome but I do fly them. lol If the booking says the flight is on a 737 tho, I look for a seat on another airline. ;)
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Thanks for the review! I live in Prague so for a long time I had been hoping you'd make a report on the national carrier sooner or later. I knew you were flying one of Czech Airlines' propellers and now seeing your video I really am glad you liked it so much! I flew their ATR45 once from Prague to Dusseldorf. That was the first time I flew such a small plane and it really was a great experience! I mean, the plane literally had only 13 rows, 7. 5 of which were rows of economy seats. I've never taken even a bus with fewer seats! lol
Hopefully, you'll get to try one of their A319s the next time you fly with OK. Love those! But if I can advise you, sometimes Czech Airlines' flights are operated by Smartwings' 737s. Let's say it doesn't have to be 100% smart to choose them over other airlines. They do have 17 grounded MAX 8s, but the service and rest of their 737 fleet (30) gives you this very low-budgety feeling.
If CSA is an option when I book my flights, I do fly them rather than most airlines. Maybe I have this little country syndrome but I do fly them. lol If the booking says the flight is on a 737 tho, I look for a seat on another airline. ;)
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Farouk
Been watching your videos for quite a bit now and & was surprised that this is your first time to my beloved city of Prague: ) tsk, tsk
I am hoping you will like the city even in this super-high-season and the fact it unfortunately won't be a white Christmas this year. But again, I'm typing this 8, 555km away from Prague, where I'm residing in the 'world's hottest city' with all year avg. temperatures. Not sure if are still in the city, do try and check out the Aviation Museum in Prague-Kbely with some interesting planes, especially the Tupolev TU-104 CSA Czechoslovak Airlines saved by aviation fans from the scrap and put it back together & even painted in its stunning original retro livery. (Even though CSA is the 3rd oldest I believe flying from 1923, but its the world's first airline to fly a route exclusively with jet planes - PRG-SVO)
And by the way, we need your confirmation that our beer is superior to any other out there? (just a Czech exit formality especially coming from a Southern Bohemia & it's city of Ceske Budejovice - Budweis
Enjoy your flights and thanks for the videos
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Been watching your videos for quite a bit now and & was surprised that this is your first time to my beloved city of Prague: ) tsk, tsk
I am hoping you will like the city even in this super-high-season and the fact it unfortunately won't be a white Christmas this year. But again, I'm typing this 8, 555km away from Prague, where I'm residing in the 'world's hottest city' with all year avg. temperatures. Not sure if are still in the city, do try and check out the Aviation Museum in Prague-Kbely with some interesting planes, especially the Tupolev TU-104 CSA Czechoslovak Airlines saved by aviation fans from the scrap and put it back together & even painted in its stunning original retro livery. (Even though CSA is the 3rd oldest I believe flying from 1923, but its the world's first airline to fly a route exclusively with jet planes - PRG-SVO)
And by the way, we need your confirmation that our beer is superior to any other out there? (just a Czech exit formality especially coming from a Southern Bohemia & it's city of Ceske Budejovice - Budweis
Enjoy your flights and thanks for the videos
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David
My first turbo prop experience was in an American Eagle Fairchild Metro III. aka. the San Antonio Sewer Pipe. That was the funnest, coolest sounding airliner I ever flew on. The pilots left the cockpit door open and wore Santa Claus hats for the 40 minute flight form SAN to LAX. Because the cockpit door was open, I was able to get a birds eye view of a beautiful night approach into LAX. incredible flight! I have flown on the ATR-72 one time from OKC to DEN and loved that experience also. I wouldn't hesitate to get on a turbo prop and would take one over a CRJ-200 or RJ-145 any day of the week.
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My first turbo prop experience was in an American Eagle Fairchild Metro III. aka. the San Antonio Sewer Pipe. That was the funnest, coolest sounding airliner I ever flew on. The pilots left the cockpit door open and wore Santa Claus hats for the 40 minute flight form SAN to LAX. Because the cockpit door was open, I was able to get a birds eye view of a beautiful night approach into LAX. incredible flight! I have flown on the ATR-72 one time from OKC to DEN and loved that experience also. I wouldn't hesitate to get on a turbo prop and would take one over a CRJ-200 or RJ-145 any day of the week.
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Lubos
Hi Jeb, thanks for visiting Prague! You are one of the lucky ones: flying Czech Airlines in a Czech Airlines plane! Unfortunately, one of Europes oldest airlines doesnt really exist anymore, it was eaten up by a local charter company and a large majority of CSA routes are served by Smart Wings which is something like Ryanair only not so safe (they recently flew a fully loads a b738 over half the continent on one engine without telling ATC. I hope you flew with a reputable airline out of PRG and warn you: in the future, avoid Czech Ailrines, Smart Wings or Travel Service like the plague!
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Hi Jeb, thanks for visiting Prague! You are one of the lucky ones: flying Czech Airlines in a Czech Airlines plane! Unfortunately, one of Europes oldest airlines doesnt really exist anymore, it was eaten up by a local charter company and a large majority of CSA routes are served by Smart Wings which is something like Ryanair only not so safe (they recently flew a fully loads a b738 over half the continent on one engine without telling ATC. I hope you flew with a reputable airline out of PRG and warn you: in the future, avoid Czech Ailrines, Smart Wings or Travel Service like the plague!
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Father
Horizon Air (subsidiary of Alaska Air) uses the Q400 turboprop for a lot of their regional service from Seattle. It's a great plane to fly on, very comfortable and as modern as any regional CRJ. Bonus benefit: getting to board from the tarmac instead of a jetbridge.
Here in Montana, we also have government-subsidized Essential Air Service provided by Cape Air using twin-engine 10-seater Cessnas. They're not pressurized, so 10, 000 feet is top altitude. Huge windows with a great view of Montana's beauty, and no cockpit doors. Very much an av-geek's dream commercial flight!
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Horizon Air (subsidiary of Alaska Air) uses the Q400 turboprop for a lot of their regional service from Seattle. It's a great plane to fly on, very comfortable and as modern as any regional CRJ. Bonus benefit: getting to board from the tarmac instead of a jetbridge.
Here in Montana, we also have government-subsidized Essential Air Service provided by Cape Air using twin-engine 10-seater Cessnas. They're not pressurized, so 10, 000 feet is top altitude. Huge windows with a great view of Montana's beauty, and no cockpit doors. Very much an av-geek's dream commercial flight!
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gdubya3
Ive never flown Czech Airlines, but I can speak to the safety of turboprops. I have 4 turboprop type ratings and two of them are ATR, the 42 and 72. They are very safe aircraft with advanced systems. I love the way the plane flies and the training program is top notch. In the United States there is one ATR passenger airline. Check out Silver Airways sometime. They have a mix of ATRs and Saabs, but are slowly phasing the Saabs out. Great pilots and crews. I hope you can review them sometime!
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Ive never flown Czech Airlines, but I can speak to the safety of turboprops. I have 4 turboprop type ratings and two of them are ATR, the 42 and 72. They are very safe aircraft with advanced systems. I love the way the plane flies and the training program is top notch. In the United States there is one ATR passenger airline. Check out Silver Airways sometime. They have a mix of ATRs and Saabs, but are slowly phasing the Saabs out. Great pilots and crews. I hope you can review them sometime!
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Direktrn
I have been flying props in the Nordics a few times and have not really any issues with them. Fly regularly from Stockholm Central Airport (BMA) to HEL with Finnair. I believe its a
ATR 72-500. The first time I was really thinking this would be a slow takeoff. So wrong as was. Couldn't help spotting your Bose noice cancelling headphones btw. They are really excellent, I'm not flying without them: )
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I have been flying props in the Nordics a few times and have not really any issues with them. Fly regularly from Stockholm Central Airport (BMA) to HEL with Finnair. I believe its a
ATR 72-500. The first time I was really thinking this would be a slow takeoff. So wrong as was. Couldn't help spotting your Bose noice cancelling headphones btw. They are really excellent, I'm not flying without them: )
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Unknown
I love flying Turbo Props always happy when I get a flight on a smaller airline that fly's any Turbo Prop, and there really are no major safety issues as long as the aircraft is properly maintained. The main issue with these planes is they are usually a little noisier, but look at the great views you get you fly lower and especially the ATR you have lovely high wings so nothing impeding the view.
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I love flying Turbo Props always happy when I get a flight on a smaller airline that fly's any Turbo Prop, and there really are no major safety issues as long as the aircraft is properly maintained. The main issue with these planes is they are usually a little noisier, but look at the great views you get you fly lower and especially the ATR you have lovely high wings so nothing impeding the view.
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Steve
The newer turbo-props are fine and have as modern avionics and interior appointments as the jets. Bit noisier true but not offensive; I prefer the Q400 to the French version which is much better than the Chinese one. Have to check your videos to see if you've flown a Q400. Enjoy the economy trip reports as this is minimal service; if you don't like the looks of it, upgrade. Most fly economy.
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The newer turbo-props are fine and have as modern avionics and interior appointments as the jets. Bit noisier true but not offensive; I prefer the Q400 to the French version which is much better than the Chinese one. Have to check your videos to see if you've flown a Q400. Enjoy the economy trip reports as this is minimal service; if you don't like the looks of it, upgrade. Most fly economy.
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Emily
Thanks so much for this great video, Jeb! That was really interesting information about the engines. I am flying on an ATR 72 in a couple weeks on Bangkok Airways from Chiang Mai to Yangon and have been so nervous for the flight. Glad to hear you think these aircrafts are safe--I'll be reminding myself of that during the flight!
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Thanks so much for this great video, Jeb! That was really interesting information about the engines. I am flying on an ATR 72 in a couple weeks on Bangkok Airways from Chiang Mai to Yangon and have been so nervous for the flight. Glad to hear you think these aircrafts are safe--I'll be reminding myself of that during the flight!
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Levon
Nice! I used to fly them from Prague to Yerevan before Aeroflot was sky team!
Btw I really dont like ATR and they are not safe. I disagree what you said about turboprops being just as safe. For example( the pilots on turboprops are much less experienced)
Nice vid as always tho!
Glad youre uploading more keep it up
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Nice! I used to fly them from Prague to Yerevan before Aeroflot was sky team!
Btw I really dont like ATR and they are not safe. I disagree what you said about turboprops being just as safe. For example( the pilots on turboprops are much less experienced)
Nice vid as always tho!
Glad youre uploading more keep it up
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Cars
I went to Hamburg airport to fly from Hamburg to Munich on Lufthansa and its a Very nice Airport. Then when I got Munich had a 9 Hour Flight on Lufthansas A350-900XWB And I LOVE that plane. Jeb also can you do the Munich to OHare or OHare to Munich Routes. I would love to see you do it. Other than this have a good day.
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I went to Hamburg airport to fly from Hamburg to Munich on Lufthansa and its a Very nice Airport. Then when I got Munich had a 9 Hour Flight on Lufthansas A350-900XWB And I LOVE that plane. Jeb also can you do the Munich to OHare or OHare to Munich Routes. I would love to see you do it. Other than this have a good day.
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airfreak75
Mt father flew the ATR-42 for American Eagle from 1986-1997 before transitioning into the ERJ-145. During his career he flew the Beech-99, DHC-6 twin otter, Shorts 330, ATR-42 and ERJ-145. Of all of them the ATR was always his favorite. I enjoyed any chance I got to ride jump seat as a teenager (pre 9/11 lol)
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Mt father flew the ATR-42 for American Eagle from 1986-1997 before transitioning into the ERJ-145. During his career he flew the Beech-99, DHC-6 twin otter, Shorts 330, ATR-42 and ERJ-145. Of all of them the ATR was always his favorite. I enjoyed any chance I got to ride jump seat as a teenager (pre 9/11 lol)
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brian
I fly these aircraft pretty regularly, the ATR 72-600. I'm based in Ireland and I find these planes pretty decent to fly on, up until recently my local airline Aer Lingus Regional, flew the ATR 42 on my routes from KIR. Great video as always Jeb, would love to see you do an Aer Lingus flight.
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I fly these aircraft pretty regularly, the ATR 72-600. I'm based in Ireland and I find these planes pretty decent to fly on, up until recently my local airline Aer Lingus Regional, flew the ATR 42 on my routes from KIR. Great video as always Jeb, would love to see you do an Aer Lingus flight.
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Commando602
My debit card gets declined every time I use it outside of the country even tho I let Chase Bank know of the holiday travels. Whenever there is something purchased that isn't the norm, they automatically shut down the card. It's such a hassle sometimes.
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My debit card gets declined every time I use it outside of the country even tho I let Chase Bank know of the holiday travels. Whenever there is something purchased that isn't the norm, they automatically shut down the card. It's such a hassle sometimes.
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Spittythecat757
I say that jet engines are slightly safer that turbo props, because on aircraft, like the MD-80, MD-88, MD-90, MD-95/717-200, have fans in front of the actual prop, making them safer to bird strikes.
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I say that jet engines are slightly safer that turbo props, because on aircraft, like the MD-80, MD-88, MD-90, MD-95/717-200, have fans in front of the actual prop, making them safer to bird strikes.
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David
You should try the first air atr. First air is an airline that serves remote parts of arctic Canada. I flew one from Cambridge Bay to Yellowknife. You also get to land on a gravel runway in Cambridge Bay!
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You should try the first air atr. First air is an airline that serves remote parts of arctic Canada. I flew one from Cambridge Bay to Yellowknife. You also get to land on a gravel runway in Cambridge Bay!
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смиренный
Turboprop engines are typically more fuel efficient and safer than your regular turbine jet engines. I've never heard of anyone being more afraid of turboprops in my aviation encounters.
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Turboprop engines are typically more fuel efficient and safer than your regular turbine jet engines. I've never heard of anyone being more afraid of turboprops in my aviation encounters.
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travel
You probably triggered a security on your card, happens a lot if you pay at the airport just before flying and then in the plane when the payment terminal is located in another country.
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You probably triggered a security on your card, happens a lot if you pay at the airport just before flying and then in the plane when the payment terminal is located in another country.
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Patrik
Czech Airlines is my favourite airline. You should try their excellent business class on A319(not their 737, its a crap. In my opinion, they have the best business class in Europe.
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Czech Airlines is my favourite airline. You should try their excellent business class on A319(not their 737, its a crap. In my opinion, they have the best business class in Europe.
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AppleNotBanana
I dont mind turboprops. The safety all depends on how the aircraft is maintained. A turboprop can be safer than a jet if its maintained better and same vise versa.
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I dont mind turboprops. The safety all depends on how the aircraft is maintained. A turboprop can be safer than a jet if its maintained better and same vise versa.
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Dennis
Great video and review. I have flown on my share of turbo prop aircraft over the years including a Piedmont Airlines YS-11 back in the early 80's out of Jacksonville NC.
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Great video and review. I have flown on my share of turbo prop aircraft over the years including a Piedmont Airlines YS-11 back in the early 80's out of Jacksonville NC.
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Honza
Did you like the airport in Prague? Its my place of work, so I would be grateful for feedback from someone without prior knowledge of the airport. Great video as always!
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Did you like the airport in Prague? Its my place of work, so I would be grateful for feedback from someone without prior knowledge of the airport. Great video as always!
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Daniel
I flew in that aircraft from Prague to Budapest in March 2019. I was a little afraid, but the flight went as smooth as flying in a turbofan jetliner. nice experience!
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I flew in that aircraft from Prague to Budapest in March 2019. I was a little afraid, but the flight went as smooth as flying in a turbofan jetliner. nice experience!
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mark
Got to love the HighWing Turbo Prop's. Even with an engine seat (next to the engine, under wing) you still get the best views compared to ANY other plane.
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Got to love the HighWing Turbo Prop's. Even with an engine seat (next to the engine, under wing) you still get the best views compared to ANY other plane.
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Timothy
I love the ATR! I spent the early part of my career at DL flying on Shorts 360s, De Havilland dash-7s, Embraer Brasilias and Bandeirantes. always fun
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I love the ATR! I spent the early part of my career at DL flying on Shorts 360s, De Havilland dash-7s, Embraer Brasilias and Bandeirantes. always fun
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David
A Q-400 is much safer than a older ATR remember the AA eagle crash from IND-ORD that was a 72 and ATRs still have the same problem in icing conditions
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A Q-400 is much safer than a older ATR remember the AA eagle crash from IND-ORD that was a 72 and ATRs still have the same problem in icing conditions
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travel
I think the reason most people don't like a turbo prop is because smaller aircraft tend to feel the turbulence more than in a larger jet aircraft.
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I think the reason most people don't like a turbo prop is because smaller aircraft tend to feel the turbulence more than in a larger jet aircraft.
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Debrian
Looks like you have upgraded the graphics - or maybe I missed them in previous videos! - but they look good. I especially liked that map!
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Looks like you have upgraded the graphics - or maybe I missed them in previous videos! - but they look good. I especially liked that map!
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