Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

12.1
12.1.1

AEROPLANE GENERAL
Introduction

The Dash 8-Q400 is a high wing aeroplane manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace with shared
interests from several partners (Figure 12.1-1). It is powered by two 5071 shaft horsepower PW
150A turboprop engines. Each engine drives a six bladed propeller. The Dash 8 is a two pilot
transport category aeroplane approved for instrument flight and in SAS versions approved for
operation to a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet.
In SAS versions the aeroplane seats from 58 to 72 passengers and two cabin crew members in
addition to the pilot, copilot, and flight observer. In SAS version It has a maximum take-off mass
of:

27987 kg (Basic Gross Mass)

28998 kg (Intermediate Gross Mass)
29257 kg (High Gross Mass)

The aeroplane has an Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system.
12.1.2

General

The fuselage (Figure 12.1-1) is constructed in three main parts:

Forward
Center
Aft

The forward section includes the flight deck, which has the majority of controls, instruments, and
indications. Circuit breaker panels are located on the flight deck aft bulkhead, and behind the
pilot's and copilot's seats.
There is a forward baggage compartment on the right forward part of the fuselage, and an aft
baggage compartment forward of the aft pressure bulkhead. Both baggage doors open outwards
and can only be opened from the outside. The passenger compartment doors and one type II/III
exit can be opened from either the inside or outside.

Page 1

84F0601
C Sections
Al ti
Figure 12.1-1
Fuselage

t l

Page 2

FLIGHT

FORWARD
PRESSURE
BULKHEAD

NOSE

FLIGHT
COMP.

FORWARD
SECTION

FORWARD
PASSENGER
DOOR

CABIN

CENTRE
SECTION

AFT
AFT
PASSENGER BAGGAGE
DOOR
DOOR

BAGG.
COMP.

AFT
PRESSURE
BULKHEAD

AFT
SECTION
Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

d I di

ti

M ltil

D t il i

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

12.1.3

Controls and Indications - General

Page 3

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

12
10 11

13 14
9 8
15

8
6

6
5

16

17

18

2
1

22 21

20

LEGEND
1. Flow Control Levers.
2. Pilot's Map Table (Closed).
3. Steering Hand Control.
4. Pilot's Side Panel.
5. Life Vest Stowage.
6. Sun Visor.
7. Eye Level Indicator.
8. Utility Light.
9. Dome Light.
10. Emergency Escape Rope
Storage.
11. Emergency Exit.

12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

Figure 12.1-2 Flight Deck and Equipment Layout

Page 4

19 22

Overhead Console.
Standby Compass.
Caution & Warning Panel.
Landing Gear Alternate
Release Door.
Glareshield.
Copilot's Side Panel.
Copilot's Map Table (Open).
Instrument Panel.
Landing Gear Alternate
Extend Door.
Centre Console.
Smoke Goggles.

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

6
4

3
3

ISCM

2
7
1

16

15

14 13 12 11

10

LEGEND
1. Variable Frequency AC Circuit Breaker Panel.
2. Headset Jacks.
3. Circuit Panel Light.
4. Oxygen Mask.
5. Mirror.
6. Viewer.
7. Avionics Circuit Breaker Panel.
8. Left DC Circuit Breaker Panel.
9. Fire Axe.
10. Fire Extinguisher.
11. Flashlights.
12. Observer's Seat.
13. Weight and Balance Manual.
14. Landing Gear Emergency Extension Handpump Handle.
15. Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE).
16. Right DC Circuit Breaker Panel.

Figure 12.1-3 Aft Flight Deck and Equipment Layout

Page 5

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

14

17

16

15

13

12 11

10

LEGEND
1. Ice protection panel.
2. DC Control panel.
3. Audible evacuation panel.
4. Flight data recorder.
5. Fire protection panel.
6. Panel lighting panel.
7. AC Control panel.
8. Air conditioning panel.
9. Emer. lights (Caution/Advisory)
panel.

10. Exterior lights panel (Right).

11. Cabin altitude panel.
12. Engine start panel.
13. APU Panel.
14. PFD Altimeter units panel.
15. Altitude/differential placard.
16. Exterior lights panel (Left).
17. Cabin altitude indicator.

Figure 12.1-4 Overhead Console

Page 6

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

NOTE

Pilot's equipment shown.

Copilot's equipment similar.

1
2

3
4

LEGEND
1. Transmit/Interphone PTT Switch.
2. Elevator Trim Switch.
3. Tactile Control Steering Pushbutton.
4. Autopilot Disengage Pushbutton.
5. ATC Ident Pushbutton.

Figure 12.1-5 Handwheel

Page 7

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

Figure 12.1-6 Left Glareshield Panel

Page 8

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

LEFT GLARE SHIELD CALLOUTS

1. AEROPLANE IDENTIFIER
2. ENGINE FIRE PRESS TO RESET SWITCHLIGHT
3. ROLL OUTBD & ROLL INBD SPOILERS LIGHT
4. ELEVATOR TRIM PUSH OFF SWITCHLIGHT
5. STICK PUSHER OFF SWITCHLIGHT
6. CLOCK
7. PULL UP GPWS TEST LIGHT & BELOW G/S LIGHT
8. A/P DISENGAGE LIGHT
9. TERRAIN INHIBIT SWITCH
10. CAUTION PRESS TO RESET SWITCHLIGHT
11. WARNING PRESS TO RESET SWITCHLIGHT
12. FLIGHT/TAXI SWITCH
13. PROPELLER GROUND RANGE LIGHTS

Page 9

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

POWERED FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACES

COURSE

RUD 1

SPLR 1

SPLR 2

PUSH
OFF

PUSH
OFF

PUSH
OFF

NAV SOURCE

ALT

HDG

NOSE DN

NAV SOURCE

IAS

HDG

VS

NAV

VNAV

APPR

ALT

BC

ALT
SEL

STBY
NOSE UP

COURSE

AP
YD

HDG

HSI
SEL

b 13 01 d

01/05/00

RUD 2
PUSH
OFF

Figure 12.1-7 Center Glareshield Panel

Page 10

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

CENTER GLARESHIELD CALLOUTS

1. HDG SELECTION KNOB
2. COURSE SELECTION KNOB
3. NAV SOURCE SELECTION KNOB
4. RUD 1 PUSH OFF SWITCHLIGHT
5. SPLR 1 PUSH OFF SWITCHLIGHT
6. SPLR 2 PUSH OFF SWITCHLIGHT
7. RUD 2 PUSH OFF SWITCHLIGHT
8. ALT SELECTION KNOB

Page 11

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

6
7

OY-KCA

9
11

10

Figure 12.1-8 Right Glareshield Panel

Page 12

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

RIGHT GLARE SHIELD CALLOUTS

1. TERRAIN INHIBIT SWITCH
2. AP DISENGAGE LIGHT
3. PULL UP GPWS TEST LIGHT & BELOW G/S LIGHT
4. CLOCK
5. ELEVATOR TRIM PUSH OFF SWITCHLIGHT
6. STICK PUSHER OFF SWITCHLIGHT
7. ENGINE FIRE PRESS TO RESET SWITCHLIGHT
8. AEROPLANE IDENTIFIER
9. ANTI SKID SWITCH
10. WARNING PRESS TO RESET SWITCHLIGHT
11. CAUTION PRESS TO RESET SWITCHLIGHT

Page 13

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

Figure 12.1-9 Instrument Panel

Page 14

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

Figure 12.1-10 Forward Center Console

Page 15

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

E
L
E
V
A
T
O
R

OFF

OFF

C
O
N
T
R
O
L

C
O
N
T
R
O
L

E
M
E
R
G
B
R
A
K
E

ND

T
O

R
A
T
I
N
G

L
O
C
K
ON

PARK

T
R
I
M

R
A
T
I
N
G

P
O
W
E
R

MAX
1020

L
O
C
K

L
10 A

START &
FEATHER

1 2
FUEL
OFF

MAX
REV

LEGEND
1. Emergency Brake Lever.
2. Control Lock Lever.
3. Flap Selector Lever.
4. Elevator Trim Indicator.

Figure 12.1-11 Center Console

Page 16

ON

FLIGHT
IDLE

MIN
850

NU

9R9
0 0
O
0 0

5. #1 Power Lever.
6. #2 Power Lever.
7. #1 Condition Lever.
8. #2 Condition Lever.

15

35

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

LEGEND
1. Audio and Radio Control Display Unit (ARCDU).
2. Trim Control Panel.
3. Engine and System Integrated Displays Control Panel (ESCP).
4. Weather Radar Control Panel.

Figure 12.1-12 Aft Center Console

Page 17

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

PFD

NAV

SYS
ENG

MFD1

NORM

ELEC
SYS

ENG
SYS

FUEL
SYS

DOORS
SYS

ALL

TEST

ED BRT

NAV

SYS

PFD

ENG

MFD2

NORM

EFIS
ADC
SOURCE

EFIS
ATT/HDG
SOURCE
OFF

Figure 12.1-13 Aft Center Console

ESCP CALLOUTS PERTAINING TO DOORS

1. DOORS SYS PUSHBUTTON (momentary action)
PUSH -

shows doors system page on the MFD (upper area) with MFD 1 or MFD 2 set at SYS
no action with another push

Page 18

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

GRD CREW
FWD AFT

GPWS FLAP
OVERRIDE

STEERING RANGE
FO R W

LEGEND
1. Ground Crew Connection Annunciator.
2. GPWS Flap Override Switchlight.
3. Push to Talk (PTT) Switch.
4. Steering Range Label.
5. Steering Hand Control.

Figure 12.1-14 Steering Handwheel Console

Page 19

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

CIR BKR
LIGHT

W/S WIPER PILOTS

ICE DETECT FLT PNL

PROP O'SPEED
GOVERNOR

OFF
LIGHT
ADC
TEST 1

T/O WARN
TEST
OFF

BRT

TEST

STALL WARN
TEST 1
STEERING
OFF

TEST 2

OFF

TEST 2

LEGEND
1. Circuit Breaker Panel Lighting Control Toggle Switch.
2. Windshield Wiper Ice Detection Light Pushbutton.
3. Pilot's Side Panel Dimmer Knob.
4. Propeller Overspeed Governor Test Toggle Switch.
5. Takeoff Warning System Test Toggle Switch.
6. Air Data Computer Test Toggle Switch.
7. Stall Warning Test Toggle Switch.
8. Nosewheel Steering Toggle Switch.

Figure 12.1-15 Pilots Side Panel

Page 20

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

2
3

W/S WIPER
ICE DETECT

COPILOTS
FLT PNL

CIRCUIT
BREAKER
PNL LTG
OFF

OFF

LIGHT

INPH

BRT

XMIT

LEGEND
1. Windshield Wiper Ice Detection Light Pushbutton.
2. Copilot's Side Panel Dimmer Knob.
3. Circuit Breaker Panel Lighting Control Toggle Switch.
4. Microphone Interphone/Transmit Toggle Switch.

Figure 12.1-16 Copilots Side Panel

Page 21

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

LIGHTING

CABIN TEMP

NVS SYSTEM

C
F
CABIN
OVERHD

TEMP
DISPLAY

DIM
OVERHD

PSU
TEST

ON/OFF

PAUSE

NVS INOP

MID CABIN TEMP

WARM
DISPLAY
TEST

CABIN
SIDEWALL

DIM
SIDEWALL

PSU
ON/OFF

BOARDING

LAVATORY

AIRSTAIR
DOOR

F/A CONTROL ENABLED

COOL

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

LEGEND
1. Temperature display.
2. Temp. display test switch.
3. Temperature scale switch.
4. Cabin sidewall lighting switch.
5. Cabin overhead lighting switch.
6. PSU Test switch.
7. NVS Inoperative advisory light.
8. NVS On/Off switch.
9. NVS Pause switch.
10. F/A control enabled
advisory light.

Figure 12.1-17 Cabin (F/A) Attendants Panel

Page 22

11. PSU Power switch.

12. Airstair steps lighting
switch.
13. Lavatory lighing switch.
14. Boarding lights switch.
15. Temperature decrease
switch.
16. Temperature increase
switch.
17. Temperature scale.

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

Towing Switch
Description.
The TOW-NAV Lt Switch is a standard 2-position switch with a Guard that forces it to NORMAL
(the other is TOWING).
In addition there is a 7,5 Amp Circuit Breaker for the Power.
Power is taken directly from the main battery at a point behind the DC CONTROL panel and feed
via the TOW Circuit Breaker & Switch to a point behind the EXTERIOR LIGHTS panel.
The towing personnel shall only flip the guard and place the switch in TOW.
After towing is done, the guard is closed and the Switch goes to normal.

Page 23

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

93ft 3in.
(28.42m)
30ft 5in.
(9.27m)
13ft 6in.
(4.11m)
25ft 8in.
(7.81m)

*
12ft 10in.
(3.92m)

38.67in.
(98.22cm)

DIHEDRAL 2.5

43.31in.
(1.10m)
28ft 10in.
(8.80m)

NOTE
8ft 2in.
(2.48m)

Dimensions with respect to ground

reference line are approximate and
will vary with aeroplane configuration
and loading conditions.
12ft 4in.
(3.76m)

36ft 10in.
(11.22m)
10ft 9in.
(3.28m)

27ft 4in.
(8.34m)

45.94in.
(1.17m)

48.98in.
(1.24m)

GROUND
REFERENCE LINE
101ft 10in.
(31.04m)

60.85in.
(1.55m)

107ft 9in.
(32.83m)

Figure 12.1-18 Aeroplane Dimensions

Page 24

60.83in.
(1.55m)

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

12.1.4

Description

12.1.4.1

Aeroplane Dimensions

The Dash 8 Q400 has a wing span of 28.42 m and a length of 32.83 m (Figure 12.1-18). The six
bladed propellers are 4.12 m in diameter, and clears the fuselage by 1.1 m). The wheel track is
8.80 m and the nose wheel to main wheel distance is 13.94 m. Using a nose steering of 70
requires a minimum 25.7 m of pavement for a 180 turn (Figure 12.1-19).
The height to the bullet fairing, on top of the vertical stabilizer is about 8.26 m depending on the
aeroplane loading. The height to the wing tips is about 3.9 m.
12.1.4.2

Structural Design

The airframe structure is made from high strength aluminum alloys. The fuselage skins are
chemically milled and riveted to stringers and frames. Steel structural alloy is used in the landing
gear and certain airframe components. Other structural components are made from various
approved aluminum, steel or titanium materials. Magnesium is used in selected interior regions
of the flight deck, cabin and engine.
Composite panels include the:

Radome (Fiberglass/honeycomb core)

Nose Equipment Bay (Aramid fiber)
Wing to Fuselage Fairings (Fiberglass)
Tailcone (Aramid fiber)
Tailcone with optional APU (Titanium)
Bullet Fairing (Mybrid composite Glass/Aramid fiber)
Dorsal Fin (Mybrid composite Glass/Aramid fiber)
Stabilizer leading edge (Aramid fiber covered by rubber de-ice boots)
Ice Protection Panels

12.1.5

Forward Section

12.1.5.1

Nose

The nose is in front of the forward pressure bulkhead. It contains the nose wheel well and an
unpressurized equipment deck, and the weather radar radome.
12.1.5.2

Flight Deck

The flight deck extends from the forward pressure bulkhead to a fixed bulkhead aft of the flight
crew seats. The windshield panels are laminated glass and the side window panels are a combination of laminated glass and plastic.

Page 25

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

R-6

R-4

R-1

70

R-2

84 ft. 5 in. (25.7 m)

MINIMUM PAVEMENT
WIDTH FOR 180 TURN
(WITHOUT BACKING UP)

R-5

R-3

APPROX. 2
DUE TO TIRE
SLIP

ITEM
R-1 INNER GEAR
R-2 OUTER GEAR
R-3 NOSE GEAR
R-4 WING TIP
R-5 NOSE
R-6 ELEVATOR TIP

RADIUS
4 ft. 9 in. (1.52 m)
33 ft. 10 in. (10.32 m)
50 ft. 7 in. (15.41 m)
64 ft. 9 in. (19.74 m)
54 ft. 10 in. (16.73 m)
62 ft. 9 in. (19.13 m)

Figure 12.1-19 Aeroplane Turning Radius

Page 26

3
4
5
6

5
4

Figure 12.1-20 Wing Detail

Page 27

2
1

1. Aileron.
2. Geared Tab.
3. GND Adjustable Tab.
4. Roll Spoilers.
5. Outboard Flap.
6. Inboard Flaps.

LEGEND

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

12.1.6

Wings

A single, high aspect ratio, cantilevered wing is joined to the upper midsection of the fuselage
(Figure 12.1-20), and includes:

Integral fuel tanks

Nacelles and main gear mounting structures
Ailerons
Flaps
Spoilers

The portions of the wing outboard of the engine nacelles are tapered and have a 2.5 dihedral.
Pneumatic deicer boots are installed on the leading edges of the center wing sections and outboard from the landing lights. The wing has single slotted flaps extending from the side of the
fuselage to inboard of the ailerons.
Conventional ailerons are installed for lateral control and work with differential lateral control
spoilers on the upper wing skin. The spoilers also have a ground mode. When set the spoilers
extend on landing to reduce lift.

Page 28

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

5
2

LEGEND
1. Elevators.
2. Fore Rudder.
3. Trailing Rudder.
4. Vertical Stabilizer.
5. Bullet Fairing.
6. Horizontal Stabilizer.

Figure 12.1-21 Empenage

Page 29

Figure 12.1-22 Fuselage Cross Section

Page 30

12.4 in.
(31.5 cm)

24.3 in.
(61.7 cm)

56.5 in.
(143.5 cm)

76.9 in.
(195.3 cm)

15.8 in.
(40.1 cm)

20.3 in.
(50.8 cm)

80.0 in.
(203.2 cm)

99.0 in.
(251.4 cm)

25.9 in.
(65.7 cm)

106.0 in.
(269.2 cm)
OVERHEAD
STORAGE BINS

108.8 in.
(276.3 cm)

71.8 in.
(182.3 cm)

Dimensions are approximate

and may vary depending on
aircraft configuration.

NOTE

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

Dash8 - Q400 - Aeroplane General

12.1.7

Centre Section

The passenger cabin has a constant cross-section and bulkheads with a slightly flattened bottom
(Figure 12.1-22).
12.1.8

AFT Section

The aft section is unpressurized and is swept up from the center section. It consists of the rear
pressure dome and the supporting structure for the empennage. This area houses the air conditioning packs and the APU. There is access to the interior of the aft fuselage section for inspection and maintenance.
Empenage
The empennage has a horizontal stabilizer with separate right and left elevators, and a vertical
stabilizer with fore and trailing rudders. The empennage is mounted on the aft fuselage section
(Figure 12.1-21).
Horizontal Stabilizer
The fixed incidence horizontal stabilizer is attached to the top of the vertical stabilizer. The leading edges are made from composite material and have pneumatic deicer boots bonded to them.
Elevators
Both elevators normally operate together, but can function independently if the pitch disconnect
system is operated. The elevators are hydraulically operated with artificial feel. Hydraulic actuators are used for trimming.
Vertical Stabilizer
The vertical stabilizer and rearmost portion of the fuselage are constructed as one piece. The
leading edge is made from composite material and has a pneumatic deicer boot, with two chambers, bonded to it. A composite bullet fairing is installed on top of the vertical stabilizer.
Rudder
The rudder has a fore and trailing section. The fore rudder is hinged to the rear vertical stabilizer
spar and the trailing rudder is hinged to the trailing edge of the fore rudder. The trailing rudder is
geometrically arranged to give a deflection twice that of the fore rudder. Two hydraulically powered actuators operate the rudder.

Page 31