I think it is either ASA or ACA flying the 72 into Hilton Head, SC
Can someone please fill me in on any operational restrictions due to runway length, temperature, ZFW etc etc..
I know the Dash 8/100's usually have to bump 5 or so perople in the summer season.
I js out of there once in a while but dont want to show up thinking there are 7 open seats to find out that they need 10
Thanks in advance
It's ASA ATR 72s.
I've done HXD several times now in the ATR. I was also one of the last ones to make it out on the "windy day".
We haul up to 66 in and never more than 55 out. If it's hot (above 70) we'll take 45-50 out. The loads have been very good, so you can probably forget about being able to jumpseat. While most ASA ATR captains will count kids and massage the numbers to get j/sers on in most places, HXD is not one of them! The ATR is at the edge of its performance envelope. I've had to bump bags twice (ASA refuses to bump people, they'd rather go witn NO BAGS). I've only taken a non-rev once.
I have a reputation for NOT resembling a metaphor for a cat, but I was "max pucker factor" the first time I flew in and out. That runway looks EXTREMELY short and narrow from the window of an ATR 72. We generally make a normal landing (no need to do an EYW carrier landing), but don't be high/fast and get on the brakes and reverse a little harder then normal. The ATR 72 can stop in about 1000 feet at max weight if needed, the stopping power is incredible. On takeoff, I usually let them spool up a bit before releasing the brakes. At 47,000 lbs, we rotated 2/3 of the way down the runway. On taxi, they tell us to maintain the centerline precisely because it's a 9' wingtip clearance.
The night before the "windy day" we had to do the LOC approach with a 15 kt crosswind. That was "interesting". The next afternoon, it was 20 gusting to 30 and the ATR got airborne three times prior to V1/Vr. When we finally took off, the turbulence at 50' was "intense" due to the trees effect. The FO was flying and he did a great job.
It's funny, when we come in and out the people in HXD just stand at the FBO or the fence and watch us like we're a 747. I think the ATR must be the largest scheduled airplane ever to fly in there.
We stay at the Westin, right on the beach. Nice hotel, but very pricey to eat and drink there, even with the 20% off they give us. The hotel won't take us out to eat either. We have a contract with the hotel through August, so we probably won't switch before then.
