Are Bombardier Planes Safe? | Your Guide to Air Travel

Bombardier-designed aircraft, like all planes certified for commercial passenger service, meet stringent international and national safety standards, making them safe for travel.

When planning a trip, it’s natural to consider every aspect of your journey, including the aircraft you’ll be flying. Bombardier, a Canadian manufacturer, has played a significant role in commercial aviation, particularly with regional jets and turboprops. Understanding the safety record and operational context of these aircraft provides clarity for travelers.

Bombardier’s Legacy in Commercial Aviation

Bombardier Aerospace has a long history in aircraft manufacturing, known for its diverse portfolio that included business jets, amphibious aircraft, and commercial airliners. Their commercial aircraft division primarily focused on regional transportation, connecting smaller cities to larger hubs.

• CRJ Series (Canadair Regional Jet): These twin-engine regional jets, including models like the CRJ200, CRJ700, CRJ900, and CRJ1000, became workhorses for airlines needing efficient aircraft for shorter routes with fewer passengers. They are common sights at airports across the country.
• Q Series (Dash 8): The Q400, a turboprop aircraft, is recognized for its fuel efficiency and ability to operate from runways with specific characteristics. It often serves routes where jet operations are less practical or economical.

While Bombardier has since divested its commercial aircraft programs, selling the CRJ program to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Q Series to De Havilland Canada, the aircraft continue to operate under their original type certificates, maintained and supported by their new owners and the airlines.

The Aviation Safety Framework

Aviation safety is a global priority, governed by a multi-layered system of regulations, oversight, and industry best practices. This framework ensures that every aircraft, regardless of its manufacturer, meets incredibly high standards before carrying passengers.

Aircraft Certification and Design

Before any aircraft can enter service, it undergoes a rigorous certification process. In the United States, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) dictates comprehensive requirements for aircraft design, manufacturing, and airworthiness. This includes extensive testing of components, systems, and the aircraft as a whole under various conditions. Manufacturers must demonstrate that their designs can withstand extreme stresses and operate reliably.

Internationally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets standards and recommended practices that most countries adopt, creating a harmonized approach to aviation safety worldwide. Bombardier aircraft, like all commercial planes, are designed and built to these exacting specifications.

Ongoing Maintenance and Oversight

Safety does not end with certification. Once an aircraft is in service, it is subject to continuous maintenance, inspections, and operational oversight. Airlines operate under strict FAA regulations regarding maintenance schedules, pilot training, and operational procedures. These include:

• Scheduled Maintenance: Regular checks, ranging from quick daily inspections to extensive overhauls every few years, ensure all components are functioning correctly and replaced when necessary.
• Unscheduled Maintenance: Any unexpected issue or malfunction prompts immediate investigation and repair by certified mechanics.
• Airworthiness Directives: The FAA issues mandatory directives for specific aircraft types to address potential safety concerns that arise during an aircraft’s operational life. Airlines must comply with these directives.

Bombardier Aircraft Safety Performance

The safety record of Bombardier-designed aircraft is consistent with the high safety standards of commercial aviation as a whole. Both the CRJ series and the Q series have accumulated millions of flight hours over decades of service with a strong safety record.

Statistical Context of Aviation Safety

It is important to remember that commercial air travel is statistically one of the safest forms of transportation. Accidents are exceedingly rare occurrences, and when they do happen, they are thoroughly investigated by independent bodies like the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) in the United States. These investigations lead to recommendations that enhance safety across the entire industry.

Bombardier aircraft have benefited from these ongoing safety enhancements, with design updates and operational improvements implemented throughout their service life. Their safety performance reflects the robust design, manufacturing quality, and the stringent operational environment they fly within.

Airline Operations and Maintenance

While the aircraft itself is designed for safety, the airline operating it plays an equally important role. Airlines are responsible for maintaining the aircraft, training their crews, and adhering to all regulatory requirements.

Pilot Training and Qualification

Pilots flying Bombardier aircraft, like all commercial pilots, undergo extensive training and recurrent evaluations. This includes simulator training for various scenarios, emergency procedures, and continuous proficiency checks. First officers and captains are highly qualified and experienced, working together as a cohesive unit.

Airline Maintenance Programs

Airlines operating Bombardier aircraft have dedicated maintenance departments staffed by certified technicians. These teams follow manufacturer guidelines and FAA regulations for all inspections and repairs. Parts supply chains are robust, ensuring that genuine, airworthy components are used for replacements.

Common Regional Jet Types and Typical Passenger Capacities

Aircraft Type	Manufacturer	Typical Passenger Capacity
CRJ200	Bombardier (now Mitsubishi)	50
CRJ700	Bombardier (now Mitsubishi)	65-78
CRJ900	Bombardier (now Mitsubishi)	76-90
Q400 (Dash 8)	Bombardier (now De Havilland Canada)	70-90

Passenger Experience on Regional Jets

Flying on a regional jet, whether a CRJ or a Q400, offers a slightly different experience than a larger mainline aircraft. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for a comfortable trip.

Cabin Features and Comfort

Regional jets typically feature a 2-2 seating configuration, meaning two seats on either side of the aisle. This can offer a more intimate cabin feel. Overhead bin space might be more limited compared to larger aircraft, so checking larger carry-on bags at the gate is a common practice.

The Q400 turboprop is known for its quiet cabin for a turboprop, but some engine noise is still noticeable, particularly during takeoff and landing. CRJ jets offer a quieter ride overall, similar to larger jet aircraft.

Boarding and Deplaning

Many regional flights utilize jet bridges, but it’s also common to board and deplane via airstairs, especially at smaller airports or remote gates. This means you might walk across the tarmac for a short distance, offering a unique perspective of the aircraft.

Informed Travel Choices

As a traveler, there are steps you can take to feel confident about your flight, regardless of the aircraft type. The core principles of aviation safety apply universally.

Airline Reputation and Safety Audits

While all airlines operating in the United States are regulated by the FAA, some independent organizations conduct their own safety audits and ratings. Researching the operating airline can provide additional insight, though it’s important to remember that all certificated carriers meet a baseline of safety.

Understanding Your Flight Crew

The flight crew, including pilots and flight attendants, are highly trained professionals. They are your primary resource for safety information during your flight. Paying attention to pre-flight safety briefings and following their instructions contributes to a safe environment for everyone on board.

Regional Jet Travel Considerations

Aspect	Tip for Travelers
Carry-on Baggage	Be prepared for potential gate-checking of larger carry-on bags due to smaller overhead bins.
Seating	Enjoy the 2-2 seating configuration, which means no middle seats on most regional jets.
Noise Levels	Consider noise-canceling headphones, especially on turboprop aircraft like the Q400.
Boarding	You may board via airstairs and walk on the tarmac; wear appropriate footwear.
Connections	Allow ample connection time, as regional flights often use different terminals or gates.

The Evolving Fleet of Bombardier-Designed Aircraft

Even though Bombardier no longer manufactures new commercial passenger aircraft, the existing fleets of CRJs and Q400s continue to be vital components of airline networks. These aircraft are expected to remain in service for many years.

Continued Support and Parts

The new owners of the CRJ and Q Series programs, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and De Havilland Canada, respectively, are committed to providing ongoing support, spare parts, and technical assistance to airlines operating these aircraft. This ensures that the planes can be maintained to the highest safety and operational standards throughout their lifespan.

Fleet Modernization

Airlines continually evaluate their fleets. As newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft become available, some airlines may gradually replace their regional jets. However, the existing Bombardier-designed planes remain safe and reliable options for regional air travel.