Skip to content

ATR 42 TYPE RATING

ATR 42 TYPE RATING is a twin-engine, turboprop regional airliner developed and produced by ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale), a joint partnership between Airbus and Leonardo. It is a smaller, shorter-range aircraft compared to larger jets, and it is primarily used for regional flights, serving smaller airports or routes with lower demand.

Key Features of the ATR 42:

  • First Flight: October 16, 1984.
  • Entry into Service: 1985.
  • Manufacturer: ATR (Aerei da Trasporto Regionale).
  • Capacity:
  • Typically seats between 42 to 50 passengers in a single-class configuration.
  • The aircraft’s capacity can vary depending on the seating arrangement.
  • Engine: The ATR 42 is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 series turboprop engines.
  • Wingspan: 24.57 meters (80 feet 7 inches).
  • Length: 22.67 meters (74 feet 4 inches).
  • Height: 7.55 meters (24 feet 9 inches).
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 18,600 kg (41,000 lbs).
  • Cruising Speed: Approximately 510 km/h (316 mph).
  • Range: Around 1,500 kilometers (930 miles), depending on the model and load.

Design and Performance:

  • Turboprop Engines: The ATR 42 is powered by turboprop engines, which are more fuel-efficient than jet engines for shorter routes, especially on regional flights.
  • STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing): It has excellent performance for operating from shorter runways, making it ideal for smaller airports or remote areas with limited infrastructure.
  • Efficient for Regional Routes: The ATR 42 is known for its efficiency on regional routes, providing airlines with a low-cost, reliable option for traveling shorter distances.

Variants:

  • ATR 42-300: The initial version, with a seating capacity of 42 to 46 passengers, which entered service in the 1980s.
  • ATR 42-500: Introduced in the mid-1990s with improved fuel efficiency and upgraded avionics. This version became the most widely used ATR 42 model.
  • ATR 42-600: The latest version, introduced in the 2010s, with modernized avionics, quieter engines, and enhanced efficiency. This version is equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127M engines and has advanced glass cockpits.

Operational Uses:

The ATR 42 is used by regional airlines and carriers worldwide, particularly for flights connecting smaller cities, remote areas, and regional hubs. Some of its common applications include:

  • Regional Passenger Transport: Connecting cities with lower traffic, especially those in areas with smaller or regional airports.
  • Freight: In some configurations, the ATR 42 is used for cargo operations, carrying small, high-value goods or mail.
  • Charter Flights: Some operators use the ATR 42 for chartered flights to less accessible destinations or for specific regional needs.

Legacy and Popularity:

The ATR 42 is one of the most popular regional turboprop aircraft, with over 400 units produced and operated worldwide. Its efficiency, low operating costs, and ability to operate in challenging environments have made it a favorite for regional airlines and are used extensively in both passenger and freight transport.

The ATR 42’s smaller size allows it to serve routes that larger jets cannot, and its turboprop engines provide excellent fuel efficiency for shorter distances. Its success has also paved the way for the larger ATR 72, which has a similar design but offers greater capacity, commonly used on regional routes with higher passenger demand.

The aircraft’s combination of affordability, efficiency, and reliability has helped it maintain a strong presence in the regional aviation market for several decades.