The Q400 is a great aircraft for what if offers. Fully automated for a turboprop operated and diagnosed with a large dose of computer interaction. The largest comfort issue I have noticed down in Houston is the aircraft cabin noise. The Q400 is equipped with an advanced ANVS system "Active Noise Vibration Suppression" Operation is very similar to a noise cancelling headset (ie: Bose) The system is a pain to maintain for there is a great deal of computer management the maintenance department has to conduct in order to sync up each propeller with the ANVS computer...etc etc etc. Now the system works amazingly well fully operational if you were sitting behind the wing all you would hear is the jet exhaust with no propeller vibration or noise. However the aircraft down in Houston all have inoperative ANVS systems due to unknown reasons.

My advise to everyone is to write Continental (United) about this significant discomfort. The system should be operational per Colgan's seat capacity purchase contract with Continental. Please give as much detail as possible about this system so as to narrow down the complaint within HQ.

Take care all