Anyone flown on Air Tahiti or on an ATR 42-500?

Question

I'm flying on Air Tahiti for inter-island flights in Tahiti (between Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora). (This is not the same as Air Tahiti Nui, which does longer distances.)

Has anyone flown either on Air Tahiti or with another airline on the ATR 42-500? How do the noise levels in the cabin compare to that of a jet airliner?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, noise level is louder than jets.

The noise level inside the cabin of all ATR 42 models is listed as under 80 dBA , but you don't have choice here in Tahiti, they don't have jets specially for Bora Bora destination, protecting your ears will be the only solution if you want to avoid noises. Jets have around 100db from the outside when taking off but from the inside it's really less because of the cabin isolation materials, there are 10 to 30 db less on a jet compare to a turboprop aircraft. Also what's very annoying is the cabin vibration on ATR flights.

If you have time and don't have sea sickness I will recommend you the Express Ferry to Moorea (Moorea express or Aremiti) that is more fun but longer than airplane.