The story
The ATR 42-500 first flew in September 1994 and went to Italy's Air Dolomiti in October 1995. It brought PW127E engines, six-bladed composite propellers, higher weights and a redesigned cabin, with better hot-and-high performance and less noise inside. It was the standard ATR 42 until the glass-cockpit -600 took over, and it still flies with operators such as Canadian North and Loganair.
Its PW127E engines are flat-rated to 45 °C, which means they keep their full rated power on hot days up to that temperature. That helps a lot on short, hot or high runways.
Quick answers
How do you identify a ATR 42-500?
Short body, high wing and six-bladed propellers: an ATR 42 from the -400 onward. Early -300s and -320s have four blades. From outside, a -500 and a -600 look the same, since the difference is in the cockpit, so check the operator.
What does a ATR 42-500 sound like?
A softer, lower thrum than early ATR 42s, thanks to the six-bladed props.
How many people does the ATR 42-500 carry?
Typical configuration: 48 (1-class).
How far can the ATR 42-500 fly?
Range is about 726 nmi (48 passengers).
How big is the ATR 42-500?
It is 74 ft 5 in long and 80 ft 7 in across the wings.
When did the ATR 42-500 first fly?
Its first flight was in 1994.
How many ATR 42-500s have been built?
100+ built.
How rare is a ATR 42-500 in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first ATR 42-500 catch is worth 25 points.
