FLYING THE CLASSIC DASH! Air Canada Express Dash 8-300 Edmonton to Calgary

The Calgary to Edmonton route is easily the most popular regional one within the province of Alberta, and Air Canada Express flies mostly Bombardier Q400s between the two cities.
However, there’s also a flight or two operated by some older de Havilland Canada Dash 8-300s, otherwise known as the “Classic Dash”.
See what I thought of the in-flight experience on this 29-year-old aircraft!
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: Air Canada Express (Jazz Aviation) (JZA/QK)
Aircraft: de Havilland Canada Dash 8-300
Flight Number: AC8163
Seat: 10A
Livery: Old (2005-2017)
Engines: 2x PWC PW123
Registration: C-GVON
Age: 29 Years (at time of recording)
Route: Edmonton International (YEG) - Calgary (YYC)
Callsign: JAZZ 163
Runway used: 12 (YEG) - 17L (YYC)
Date filmed: May 2019
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Outro song by Nyhtian: / @mylor.x
© Alex Praglowski Aviation 2019
This video is the property of Alex Praglowski Aviation and may not be used for any purpose without prior permission.
MEDIA: Please contact me at the email in the "About" section of my channel for usage.

[@ThePowerofJames]

Every airline you tuber; here’s first class look at this! Alex: I’m 6’8” and I will fly the smallest planes I can find

[@aviationdude9546]

Me and my brother in a nutshell

[@NicholasStroudMusic]

Dont forget the coolest planes he can find

[@footsy420]

i love how you can see the gear so well

[@ericonca]

I love the control tower design!

[@McTeerZor]

My old man flew the classics for 25 years, he was recently forced upgraded to the 400 series. The classics have always feel like home to me. They are and always will be my favorite aircraft to fly on.

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Your dad was a pilot? Lucky you!

[@mapleleafaviation304]

I flew this Canadian-Classic in 2006, when I was only one-years old that time!! 😄😄🇨🇦🇨🇦⛰⛰

[@protector22222]

Did ur parents remember the registry number ...? How did u know it was this aircraft

[@mapleleafaviation304]

Adam Leventhal Oh, I was just a little bit smart, but my father didn’t know the registration, although that Dash 8 was in the green-Jazz livery, and we were flying from Toronto to Windsor on Christmas to see family.

[@theglobalpeasant]

I enjoy these small dash 8's. I find the older seats spaced out, cushier and more relaxed like a well used arm chair

[@davidwilliams9326]

Loved the video, it brought back many happy memories of when I worked for AC at LHR. Many times I have flown on different variants of the Dash 8, particularly in Western Canada, YYC, YXE, YQR, YEG, YVR and many more.

[@noahdeng9401]

I`m from Windsor, Ontario, and these planes keep flying from Windsor and London to Toronto! I`ve seen one land near my home!

[@Daniel-mg3xh]

22 likes and 0 dislikes, wow keep up the great work

[@supertyfon1736]

I frequently seen Q100's out of CYXD before i moved to N.B and that was before that airport shut down.

[@bigcanadianboy]

Nice informative video, well done !!

[@flyguy905]

love the dash-8-300

[@mylosairplanefan]

Nice work Alex!

[@silvertbird1]

I like the effect with the shadow merging into the aircraft at landing. I want to fly on a Dash but don’t think we have them in Texas. It seems they’re aging out so I guess the days of Dashing are nearing an end.

[@dylanlevy2107]

Damn after seeing that last lazz aircraft it reminded me of my last trip from Calgary to Edmonton an vice versa, and I rememeber when those whitish blue ones were the new livery those planes all though they look like a colgate bottle are very nice planes :(

[@bakeapplejam6471]

YEG is one of the nicest airports in Canada.

[@brandondelpino2013]

Nice video! I love the Dash 8 series and this video is a great one!

[@RadioActive_Avaition]

Love the Dash 8, Preferably the Older ones, my Local Airline Flybe got rid of theirs back in 2003/4 when the Q400 just came into service. Now I'm More of an ATR Fan, They seem to be smoother when Landing than the 400. I want to try and fly on the older Q100 with Wideroe Airlines

[@dylanlevy2107]

I flew into Edmonton from YYC via air Canada back when they were remodeling the airport in 2011ish

[@valeriecosh8304]

I work for this airline I hope I get you on one of my flights someday!!!!!

[@SaclunchGsus]

And I hope I'm on one of your flights someday also. ;)

[@khanaviation7202]

I have never flown on a Dash 8. I wonder how the toilets are like on this specific model? Probably very old. Weird thought but I always wonder.

[@parminder5882]

Tiny. No running water in the sink, just hand sanitizer.

[@Demosthenas]

I did that route before. The Q300 was ancient. We got tossed around pretty good. Terrifying experience also the pilots drove it like they stole it. That being said I was very scared it was my first time flying in a long time. Now I probably wouldn't be as alarmed by the heavy turbulence. That little guy gets tossed around pretty good.

[@crispybacon420]

Any time I fly on a 300, I always end up with a window that rattles!

[@MatthewFordVictoria]

What kind of camera were you using to film this? It must have been a hidden camera, as I tried to film a flight from Vancouver to Victoria, and I was told to turn the camera off and put it away.

[@LiamWalsheliamskitchen]

Yea I still won't even fly the Q400. I flew this route once, and I intentionally went out of my way to avoid all the turboprops. Flight was originally scheduled as an E190, the day before it got upgauged to A319, and it got upgauged again to A320 on the day of departure. Shortest jet flight I've ever had!

[@damianp7313]

Lol 2:58 you blurred out my sister at work

[@agaragar21]

How is this enterprise viable...with only 13 customers and how many staff ?

[@QuarioQuario54321]

Row 13 should be row 0. Has anybody ever seen a row 0 on a plane?

[@mattball7074]

seatbelt lookin' like a Casino logo

[@samriya655]

Dcs

[@jasminejohnston6393]

I don’t like rear-facing seats

[@QuarioQuario54321]

You should go to Billy Bishop sometime

[@BPanio]

I agree with the above comment

[@DeltaBravoTango]

YES Please come to YTZ Via PORTER YEAAA

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

It's on my list!

[@alexgallo5698]

Are we just going to ignore that dude’s trick at 4:21??

[@m-foh]

So much nostalgia! I miss these planes at YKA

[@Canadian001]

Keep up the good work Alex!!!

[@DeltaBravoTango]

I laughed more than I should at your "teaching me the alphabet" joke, but it was good humor Haha! Great trip report I really like it!

[@GrundleMathius]

My Dad flew the "classic" Dash -100 and -300 for just under 30 years for Air Nova then eventually Jazz when they merged Air Nova/Ontario/BC together. I remember going on trips and riding in the jumpseat as a child before they enhanced security measures no longer allowing that. Sparking my interest in aviation. I chose a slightly different path though going the maintenance route and now as a Flight Engineer as I love older aircraft. He always told me the first time he flew the Dash that he was not going to chase bigger aircraft and found the plane he would retire on, and he did. He retired when Jazz finally retired the -300. Love seeing the appreciation for the Dash Canada's heart and soul of regional and northern aviation.

[@TheHDAviation]

Very nice trip report! It's always fun flying on these old Dash's, still one of my favourites. I was assigned that rear facing seat once before, it was slightly awkward but made for some nice prop views. Need to get up in one of these again some time soon.

[@Guerry-3]

Thank-you for sharing your flight on the Dash 8-300 with us, Alex. However, the video would have been much nicer if you had washed the outside of your window. I AM JUST KIDDING! I used to frequently fly a similar route between Chicago O’Hare and my hometown of Danville, Illinois on an Allegheny Commuter. For those who complain about being cramped on a Dash 8, my commuter flight was on a Beechcraft 99, where no one was able to straighten themselves until seated. Personally, I really enjoy flying on turboprop aircraft, since they generally fly at a much lower altitude than jets, and ground details are much easier to view. There was only one thing that came close to annoying when I flew on these types of aircraft, and that was during the winter. I found it very uncomfortable with my heavy coat packed when I had to leave the nicely warmed building, board the aircraft, and wait on a freezing aircraft until the pilot engaged the cabin heat. Although it was only for about 10 minutes, the Chicago area still becomes about as cold as it gets in Calgary during the winter. Thank-you again for the video, sir. I always enjoy viewing your posts and hearing your reports.

[@MGAviationNZAircraftVideos]

Beautiful and excellent video but I wouldn't say that the Q300 is a classic aircraft tbh

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Fun fact: The Wright Bros’ first flight lasted only about 12 seconds!

[@kristiansagia5637]

thank you for sharing this beatiful trip report

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Have you ever watched Airport Below Zero? It focuses on behind-the-scenes action at Edmonton International Airport, including how they deal with passengers and how they do water salutes for retiring pilots...things like that!

[@SaclunchGsus]

I enjoy your channel. I have a connection to these engines and the ones on the 1900 you were on in another video. Cool to see the engines at work.

[@schnuurtchke]

Love the sound of the classic dash 8

[@hzkdsg1257arg]

Nice video way better than westjet link or westjet encore...

[@parkermanuel3048]

I used to live near Edmonton... Fort Saskatchewan

[@cyriluebbing22]

Nice

[@christopherescott6787]

And to think,,,,,,,Edmonton closed it's DT airport for this?????? I flew twin jets to CGY from YXD in 22 minutes 30 years ago. YEG is a joke. Odd a 110 passenger 737 was full back then and a 50 passenger Dash has but a dozen people on board? Good coverage of the flight.

[@hrhmikaeelabdullah-aziz6463]

Made me miss Bill Hawrelak,..

[@cassiusgoulet3583]

5 Views and 7 Likes?

[@smallmj2886]

Nice video. I love flying in the regional props. ps nice job keeping all of the faces blurred. Privacy is good.

[@eladvolpert4980]

The seat selection touchscreen makes the same sound as the GTA SA menu

[@Islandsoundzz]

The Dash 8 is such a great aircraft. I hope we see a new version of the 300 one day.

[@zainrashid7438]

I flew on the classic dash 8 a month ago

[@jamesmacey7878]

Must've been loud in there! A good chunk of our regional turboprops here in New Zealand are Q300s; they're loud enough as it is (although it's a great sound). Hate to think what the Dash 8-300 without the Q(uiet) is like.

[@kossunrakastaja]

Nice video! I've flown that route many times (YEG-YYC). Glad to you enjoyed being on our planes. I love flying the DH8

[@larou14]

J'adore ces petits avions, j'ai déjà volé de Roberval ( lac St Jean ) - Montréal, et j'ai eu un excellent vol ! 👍😎

[@TRPGpilot]

d'accord!

[@nybotor1]

Awesome video. I wish you got to fly on the only Dash-8 left in the Jazz livery, I saw it not too long ago.

[@mikhaellamarche-renaud4409]

Nybotor1 based in YUL noe

[@absolutely1337]

Have flown this before when working in the Arctic. .

[@Teddy-bg3bo]

engine when slow: 4 blades. engine when at starting: 8 blades. engine when faster: 4 blades. engine when takeoff: 60 blades. engine when cruise: 3 blades rolling shutter went crazy on this flight

[@CharlieND]

Awesome trip report, Alex! The classic dashes will always be a symbol of Canada and hold a special place in my heart. Also, I got to fly on that exact 737 at 1:22 last month.

[@607aviation]

Love the video

[@veltriix]

Hey what date was this filmed? My friend who flied forJazz said he flew this plane and this flight on May 7th during the evening.

[@CJetsPlanespotting]

Sweet trip report! I will never forget how loud it was to ride in row 1 on a Dash 8-300 this summer.

[@railfanningstuff8333]

I was on one sept 4th going tp Grande Prairie from Calgary the classic has plastic clips over the top of the old ashtray wells in the arm rest's lol

[@jasminejohnston6393]

According to aviation experts, the safest seat on an airplane is any seat near the tail. But the most comfortable seat is any seat near the wings because the plane’s centre of gravity is in that area, so you feel the least movement sitting in a seat near the wings

[@thecaynuck4694]

Growing up in Saint John, I flew the Dash 8-300 in Jazz original livery all the time! Same with the smaller Dash-100, but sadly that's retired, but flying on that certainly showed its age.

[@marceldavidmitchell]

Two things Alex. 1) Have ya done a flight to The Hat yet and that little 5000' runway and, 2) have you consider a logo for your channel like Chui did? I did mine through Fiver and it was cost effective. Just a suggestion from a fan.

[@Adriatic1290]

It's sad that the Dash is being retired from the Air Canada fleet. The Dash is like a private plane

[@MarcCarle]

10A and 10F are the best seats. Because it's the emergency exit you have more leg room. Avoid right front row seats because seats 13 are in front facing the back of the plane. If the plane if full you won't have much leg room.

[@2201Duluth]

Give me a prop anyday! When i was a kid it was the F-27/FH-227 that offered below wing views and enormous round windows. But just watching the gear go up and down is a complete aviation geek's thrill. Thanks for the great video

[@shemdickson7235]

SAY ALEX, THIS "DASH 8 CLASSIC" REMINDS ME OF A CARIBBEAN FLIGHT PROTOTYPE!! SO KEEP ON FILMING YOUR UTMOST, FUTURE FLIGHTS AND CONGRATS!! 🛫🛬

[@andrewleung5049]

You really should have booked seat 13. How often do you get to say you sit backwards in a flight? (And that's a good video title!)

[@robingift1635]

I've always liked this plane when it comes to turbos. If i could own one, i would.😁

[@wilfstor3078]

I have no memory of it. But this was the first plane I flew on. My family flew on Jazz to Boston when I was a baby.

[@CZrv4]

Thats def an older 300 it doesnt even have the ditching dams or the swept main gear

[@blox1549]

Do a vid in montreal

[@camileshakakeesic4421]

Green jazz livery retired a month later

[@cyriluebbing22]

Nice

[@AR-yb4tz]

The amazing Dash...

[@nenblom]

Last summer I flew on Scandinavian Airlines from Newark (NJ) Liberty International Airport to Copenhagen Kastrup International Airport (about a 7-hour flight) for a 2-week vacation in my native country of Sweden. The plane was an Airbus A330-343 and I flew in economy. However, being 6'6" tall, I got an exit row which was awesome because I could stretch out all the way. For anyone flying to and from Scandinavia, I really recommend SAS. Great video, by the way!!

[@ELEVrjATOR]

Back quite a few years ago United/Continental would fly these (as well as the -100 and -400) to EWR many times a day from PVD. Sadly they have been replaced by E145 jets 🤦‍♂️

[@MaelstromMephistoPEM]

5th

[@BearyBricks]

Great trip report, really enjoyed watching! Very in depth and informative

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

Great video. I really enjoyed it. Can I ask what camera you used to film with?

[@yvr2002rtw]

Can you show your face in the next video?I am curious to see what you look like.

[@andrewmolen5618]

Just flew LOT airlines Dash 8-400 from Prague to Warsaw and then on to Gdańsk. It was good fun. Take off is so fast..up, up and away. Amazing to watch the turbo props spin.

[@CMDRSweeper]

I fly the old 100s of the Dash 8's when going home. The reason is that in Norway, the runways in smaller communities only facilitates STOL aircraft, and the capacities of the other planes than the Dash 8s are too small to service these routes on these runways. So as a result, the Dash 8 is the only aircraft capable of handling them, and the newer ATRs and Q400s are incapable of landing on 400 meters of runway.

[@ketoking9435]

Great vid,,as a youngster I travelled from Heathrow to Calgary on a Wardair 747, that was around 1978,,I'm shortly going on one of these Dash planes to Germany,,have a great week,,

[@bse67]

Your footage of the landing -- with the aircraft's shadow and smooth landing -- fabulous! The entire video is well done.

[@richardc8738]

Excellent trip report. I have flown this route on the Dash 8 300 many times. I especially like how it rattles down the runway, then with one giant shudder throws itself into the air with gusto. This experience is a must for aviation fans.

[@jonnyka9319]

Great Video as always :)

[@DOMINICAAVIATION]

Awesome video! Really enjoyed!

[@whelenvortex]

oh man this is some weird inception seeing the ramp from the passenger view! i do these flights all the time on the ramp! great video haha!

[@SSaugaCriss]

try a -100 from ottawa to windsor if you want "time" on-board.

[@mikaelchartrand5767]

You should try Air Inuit Dash8-300 !

[@NorthForkFisherman]

Jumpseat is more fun. Better views too.

[@juno1915]

Found my home on the map lol

[@starziepie7496]

Amazing Report as Usual!

[@jadengerber1165]

I'm in 2 videos now? I feel famous