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Flying on a Propeller Plane (Like the ATR)

3 min read

The short answer

Propeller planes like the ATR fly lower and are lighter for their wing size, so you feel more of the bumps. That's about comfort, not safety. They're built to the same strict rules as big jets and flown by fully trained airline pilots — and an ATR takes off or lands somewhere in the world every 8 seconds.

Why It Feels Different

If you're used to big jets, a propeller plane can feel livelier. That's normal, and there are simple reasons for it.

  • It flies lower. An ATR flies at up to 25,000 feet, while most jets cruise at 35,000 feet or more. More of the weather and bumpy air sits lower down, and a propeller plane can't simply climb above it.
  • It's lighter for its wing size. NASA research notes that planes with lighter loads on their wings move more in bumpy air. Think of a small boat next to a big ship: both are safe, but you feel the waves more in the small one.
  • Short flights mean more climbing and descending. That's when the air is usually bumpiest.
  • It's louder. You'll hear the steady hum of the propellers and may feel a light vibration. Both are completely normal.

Bumpier Doesn't Mean Less Safe

Bumps are about comfort, not safety. Propeller airliners like the ATR are certified under the same safety rulebook as big jets. That means the same strict rules on strength, backup systems and flying safely on one engine.

The engines are jet engines too — a turbine that turns a propeller instead of a big fan. The engines on ATRs come from a family that has flown about 200 million hours, on close to 3,000 planes with over 600 airlines.

The pilots hold the same airline licences as jet pilots, and they go through the same regular simulator checks.

A Very Common Plane

Propeller planes are a favourite for short routes because they're very economical and can use smaller airports. More than 1,700 ATRs have been delivered to over 200 operators. ATR says one takes off or lands somewhere in the world every 8 seconds.

What About the Numbers?

Worldwide, propeller planes have more safety events per flight than jets. But most of these happen in regions with weaker oversight and difficult airstrips. In Africa, for example, 71% of 2025's events involved propeller planes (IATA).

With an established airline in a well-regulated region, your propeller plane flies under the same strict rules as any jet. In 2023, airlines from Europe's EASA countries flew more than 7.3 million commercial flights — propeller planes included — without a single life lost.

Tips for a Smoother Ride

  • Sit near the wing. It's the steadiest spot, though closer to the propeller hum.
  • Bring noise-cancelling headphones for the engine sound.
  • Keep your seatbelt fastened so the bumps feel less jolting.
  • Watch the cabin crew. Bumpy short hops are a normal day at work for them.
  • Breathe slowly through the bumps — in for 4, hold for 4, out for 6.

Sources

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