Skip to content

FOKKER 50 TYPE RATING

FOKKER 50 TYPE RATING is a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner developed by Fokker, a Dutch aerospace manufacturer. First introduced in 1987, the Fokker 50 was designed to serve as a modern, more efficient replacement for older turboprop aircraft like the Fokker F27 Friendship. It became popular with regional airlines worldwide for its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to operate from smaller airports with shorter runways. The Fokker 50 has a capacity of around 50 passengers, making it ideal for regional flights and feeder services for larger carriers.

Key Features of the Fokker 50:

  • First Flight: December 1985.
  • Manufacturer: Fokker.
  • Engine: The Fokker 50 is powered by 2x Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127B turboprop engines, each producing 2,500 shaft horsepower, which provide excellent performance on short regional routes.
  • Capacity: The Fokker 50 typically seats 50 passengers in a single-class configuration, but seating arrangements can vary depending on airline needs.
  • Cruising Speed: Approximately 280 knots (320 mph or 515 km/h).
  • Range: About 1,000 nautical miles (1,850 km), making it suitable for short to medium-haul flights.
  • Wingspan: 29.9 meters (98 feet 1 inch).
  • Length: 26.5 meters (87 feet 2 inches).
  • Height: 7.9 meters (25 feet 11 inches).
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 18,000 kg (39,600 lbs).
  • Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters).

Design and Performance:

  • Turboprop Efficiency: The Fokker 50’s turboprop engines provide excellent fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for regional airlines operating short to medium-haul routes. The turboprop engines allow for slower airspeeds, which make the Fokker 50 ideal for operating from smaller airports with shorter runways.
  • Cabin Comfort: The Fokker 50 features a comfortable cabin with wide, large windows, allowing passengers a more pleasant flying experience. It has a 2-2 seating configuration, which provides more comfort compared to narrow-body aircraft with a single aisle and more crowded seating arrangements.
  • Operational Flexibility: The Fokker 50 can operate from smaller airports that may not have the infrastructure to accommodate larger jets. It is capable of short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations, which makes it ideal for regional routes connecting smaller cities with major airline hubs.
  • Avionics and Systems: The Fokker 50 is equipped with modern avionics systems, including dual-flight controls, autopilot, and weather radar, ensuring both safety and efficiency during regional flights.

Operational Uses:

The Fokker 50 has been used for:

  • Regional Airline Operations: It is one of the most popular regional turboprops, used by numerous airlines around the world for short to medium-haul routes. It provides a reliable, cost-effective solution for connecting small airports with larger hubs.
  • Cargo Operations: The Fokker 50 is often used for cargo services, as its design and capacity allow it to be easily converted for freighter use. Many operators use the aircraft to carry freight between regional airports.
  • Government and Military Use: The Fokker 50 has been used by various military and government agencies for transport and surveillance purposes due to its reliability, versatility, and ability to operate in tough conditions.

Legacy and Popularity:

The Fokker 50 enjoyed widespread use during its production years, with over 200 units delivered to airlines around the world. However, as commercial aviation moved towards larger jets and more fuel-efficient turboprops, production of the Fokker 50 ceased in 1997, and the aircraft was replaced by more modern regional jets like the Embraer E-Jets and Bombardier Dash 8 series.

Despite being out of production for many years, the Fokker 50 remains in active service with various operators globally. Its efficiency, reliability, and ability to operate from smaller airports made it a favorite for regional and short-haul operations. Many airlines continue to operate the Fokker 50 on regional routes, while cargo operators have also maintained the aircraft for freight operations.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Short Takeoff and Landing: The STOL capabilities of the Fokker 50 make it a reliable option for regional airlines serving airports with shorter runways.
  • Fuel Efficiency: The turboprop engines provide great fuel efficiency, helping to lower operating costs on short routes compared to jets.
  • Comfort: Despite being a turboprop, the Fokker 50 offers a spacious cabin with a 2-2 seating arrangement, ensuring comfort on regional flights.
  • Rugged Design: The rugged design of the Fokker 50 allows it to operate in tough environments, including airports with limited infrastructure, and continue operating under demanding conditions.

Conclusion:

The Fokker 50 is a rugged and reliable turboprop regional airliner that served the regional aviation market for many years. With its fuel efficiency, comfortable cabin, and short runway capabilities, it became a popular choice for regional carriers and operators who needed a reliable and cost-effective aircraft for short to medium-haul routes. While it has been succeeded by newer aircraft in the regional market, the Fokker 50 remains a dependable workhorse for many airlines and cargo operators. Its design and performance capabilities continue to make it a respected aircraft in the regional aviation community.