BN2A vs. C208

[NZ744]

I'm currently working for an australian outfit which is operating, among smaller aircraft, the BN2A Islander and is considering getting some C208B caravans to replace them. I currently have about 150 hours multi which is all on the BN2A and no turbine time.

Just wondering what is the opinion of users here as to:

- Which of the two would you rather fly? (RPT over land and over water operation [ME piston vs SE Turbine])
- Which do you think looks better in the logbook when applying to the 'bigger' airlines?
-Other opinions?

[The Green Goblin]

The caravan is a nicer machine but get the 500 multi command in the logbook first :ok:

[Counter-rotation]

I concur - as someone who got about 200ish multi early on, and then really struggled for 3 years to log any more,

GET THE MULTI WHILE THE GETTINGS GOOD!! :ok: :}

There's plenty of time to fly nicer stuff down the track. Based on my experience, the multi is far more valuable to you at this point.

CR.

[j3pipercub]

Surprised you like the 208 GG, seeing as it has a PT6. :}

NZ744,

As the other two have said, get the magic 500, doesn't matter what it is in. I know someone who got into VB with 500 hours bongo time and that was the ONLY twin he had command on.

As for your questions:

- I would rather fly a bongo and take twice as long to get there than fly S/E turbine over water, it still ain't a nice feeling. Plus the bongo at MTOW will still perform well on one engine (And if you're overwater your LSALT isn't that high).

- As far a logbook, they both look good, but unless you have the 500, it's just single engine time...

BN-2 pilots of the world unite! tomorrow... cos that's when we'll get there.:ok:

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo342/j3pipercub/IMGP2162.jpg

[Capt Fathom]

BN-2 pilots of the world unite! tomorrow... cos that's when we'll get there

Sorry! You will have to speak up!

[Chimbu chuckles]

What did he say?

[multi_engined]

NZ44,

I have been flying 208s for the last six months in the top end...

If you're talking from a career perspective you are better off taking the multi, turbine time is appreciated but it's something you can work on down the track.

If you really want the most out of the 208, I suggest logging a few hundred hours, maybe 300 or so then you have the in's and out's of how turboprop engines work before chasing the multi. From what I have seen it doesnt seem operators ask for more than 500 or so turbine. (unless you're applying for airlines).

The caravan itself is a wonderful aircraft to fly, reliable engines (PT6), generally upholstery is a lot better, everything works and great takeoff and landing performance (that being mainly due to reverse thrust availability).

208 has excellent ground speeds too compared to the bongo!

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

everything works and great takeoff and landing performance (that being mainly due to reverse thrust availability

How does having reverse thrust available make for great takeoff performance? :E

Dr :8

[SeldomFixit]

Flying the back beam ?

[mudpig]

Yep if you wanna fly with an Aussie airline just go for the bongo. They're the best for building m/e time cos they're so goddam slow. I've been flying both BN and 208 for a year now and I'd kill to fly the bongo more often so I can get that 500 and move on.
Sure the 208 is nice, quiet, won't vibrate the fillings out of your teeth and about 25knots faster so you get home quicker in the arvos, but as has been said before it's only a single. So it doesn't look much different in your logbook to what you were flying your first x-country nav in (to those airline hiring blokes anyway).
Mudpig:ok:

[Jack Ranga]

J3,

Without doubt that is one of THE most spectacular photos I've seen :D

So simple but.................amazing

Could I get a copy please?

[j3pipercub]

Jack,

You may, just PM me your email address.

j3

[MyNameIsIs]

Get a Twin Otter... It's just a big BN2 with 2x PT6's, best of both!


Seriously though, I'd go for the Bongo because it logs time in the magic column.
Turbine time is probably 'easier' to get than the 500 multi because the majors will take people with no turbine time.
And if you are really after turbine time just to have it, go for the Van after you have a decent chunk of multi.


If you are looking at the Van to operate RPT and overwater etc, heaps and heaps of crap to wade thru by way of ASETPA or something like that.


Heaps of Bongo time... Rugged, reliable, dependable, relatively simple machines. Feels like a man's aircraft, it aint a princess like the 208.
Little bit deaf. Somewhat desensitised to "odd noises" and "strange vibrations" :} But heaps of fun :ok:

Just remember, 65kts!

[NNB]

and, 39 knots VMCA, to 35knots of X-wind andwill genuinely climb @ 200ft per min on one engine fully loaded

You might get there tomorrow but you do get to enjoy the scenic for longer:hmm:

[j3pipercub]

You might get there tomorrow but you do get to enjoy the scenic for longer

What sort of scenery are you referring to?

This sort?

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo342/j3pipercub/IMG_0442.jpg

OR......This sort

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo342/j3pipercub/IMG_0610.jpg

:E

j3

[Aerozepplin]

I have a strange urge to find a bongo job...

[The Green Goblin]

Generally the punters in the bongos are of the same weight as the delightful lasses J3 so selflessly posted. However they look like they have been in the sun for a lot longer (some say 40,000 years or so) and they don't smell like vanilla and daisies :eek:

It's not all peaches and cream!

Nice pics J3. Reminds me of the time I got to fly Jennifer Hawkins around and watch her prance around on the beach in a Bikini :cool:

[SgtBundy]

Reminds me of the time I got to fly Jennifer Hawkins around and watch her prance around on the beach in a Bikini

Where do you get that type of rating from?

[MyNameIsIs]

Reminds me of the time I got to fly Jennifer Hawkins around and watch her prance around on the beach in a Bikini
And the photos.................... ?


Bongo memories- Bouncy Panel!!!! Sticky brakes. 35kts groundspeed, got it to 190kts once too. Less than 200m ground rolls. Spew in seatpockets. 150+kg passengers- EACH. Vaious protrusions from the frame causing cuts and bruises. Showers inside the cabin after it had been raining. Oil slicks!!
Awesome stuff.

[The Green Goblin]

Reminds me of the time I got to fly Jennifer Hawkins around and watch her prance around on the beach in a Bikini
And the photos.................... ?

The ones I had taken feature my head in it, so they're not going on pprune :ok:

Quote:
Reminds me of the time I got to fly Jennifer Hawkins around and watch her prance around on the beach in a Bikini
Where do you get that type of rating from?

GFPT Single engine aircraft <5700 :p

[Capt Claret]

j3pipercub

Lady Elliot Island if I'm not mistaken. :}

[j3pipercub]

Correct, and probably the same islanders too Clarrie! :}

J3 so selflessly posted

Don't say I never do nuthin for yas!

The ones I had taken feature my head in it, so they're not going on pprune

Aww c'mon, blur your face out/do the oral b type thing... This man is a pilot so we can't show you his face.

j3

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

C'mon GG! Send me the pic and I will give you the 60's porn star treatment - not even your Mother will recognise you. :E

Dr :8

http://www.fototime.com/26A37EAC3FF5352/standard.jpg

[Jamair]

SKU, Australias oldest flying 200 Kingair, was named "Jennifer" in honour of having flown Miss Universe around FNQ back when it was the pride of the Skytramps fleet.

Got some great video of a Bongo landing on Darnley.... will put it up next time I have a minute.:cool:

[Jack Ranga]

All pretty girls eh!

I like the ranga best :ok:

[multi_engined]

DFTK

How does having reverse thrust available make for great takeoff performance?

Thrust reverse obviously equates to the landing distance, takeoff performance is increased further with the STC and STOL and other fun bits and pieces being added to the a.c :)

[j3pipercub]

So did I Jack, so diiiiid I...:ok:

multi, I think you'll find the Doc was taking th pi55

[Jamair]

:eek::eek:
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p1nU8tMrqQU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p1nU8tMrqQU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[multi_engined]

must have been a bit fast?

bongo drivers up here are frequently broadcasting on the waves that their approach speed is 65kts so keep plenty of space ha

[Capt Fathom]

I Like it....!

F*&k that's a go around!

Except most places in PNG! :E

[MyNameIsIs]

bongo drivers up here are frequently broadcasting on the waves that their approach speed is 65kts so keep plenty of space ha

They cruise at about 65kts too :}

[ILS34L]

VH-BSO..... Oh how I miss you :(

[Wally Mk2]

Jesus 'J3" the teeth in that bongo photo would give dentists nightmares the world over............no money in those mouths !:}<<<< but there sure is in this fella!:)

And how many sets of teeth could one get in a Bongo anyway? Never got near one as they where rare down Sth many years ago although there was tri-bongo at EN for a while...................loooong ugly thing!:)

Wmk2

[Ixixly]

Holy crud J3...has that thing got air conditioning in it?! :}

[MyNameIsIs]

although there was tri-bongo at EN for a while...................loooong ugly thing!http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/smile.gif

Yeah, but how much fun would having a go of it be??!!

Bongo has 10 seats, incl Pilots.
They seat 0 comfortably :E

[Metro man]

While the airlines still require it, get the 500hrs multi. Once you've got that get off the BN2A asap and onto something decent. It's an easy, forgiving aeroplane which saved my bacon on a couple of occasions. But pressurised, turbine, radar equipped it isn't.:}

[startingout]

I'll put my vote in on the bongo, even though it is the 2nd coldest aircraft I have ever flown, the twin time is golden until you reach 500hrs. Even 498 is short of the magical number. After you reach it you might find yourself flying something with more kero sucking things hanging off it.

Only tip is to keep a pair of ugg boots stashed under the seat if you fly any further south of 38 degrees at night. :ok:

[Capt Claret]

Correct, and probably the same islanders too Clarrie! :}

FCO & FCL, I think. One was 260 hp, the other 300.

[Skystar320]

Quiet easy... Pax appeal is more in the C208.

[an3_bolt]

Not unless it has 2 engines for this pax........

[NZ744]

Thanks for the replies all,

I guess I shouldn't get too sucked in by the C208 Garmin displays, PT6, working autopilot and flash leather seats. :hmm:

Seems I should stick to the bongo for a we bit longer then. :ok:

[NNB]

hey piper cub
was that from RUT the shot of lady Elliot Is.
if yes, I spent many 000's of hours in her in a former life!:ok:
and, I had a ball doing it!
cheers,
NNB

[napiersabre]

It seems like all you blokes loved flying the bongo.

So... who do I have to pay to fly one?





:}

[MyNameIsIs]

You shouldn't have to, napier!

But on the topic of paying to fly and a previous comment re: Trislander.... Anyone know where, if one was interested, could hire (probably best if it was dual too I presume!) a Trislander just to have a go of one??? Don't want endorsements or anything, just an experience!

NZ744, whilst I'm sure the Van is a nice machine (never tried one), as long as the "500 multi" is still the golden ticket stay on whatever multis you've got available to you until you have it. Then if you are chasing a flashy turbine gig and want to have previous "turbine time" then definately consider the Van. Or try con the company into a Turbine Islander..... hmm wonder what they are like?
Or if you really want to mix the two together into "BongoVans" then give West Wing consideration, they run both types around the Torres Strait.

[swaziboy]

So glad to hear, sorry, READ, that there are so many bongo fans out there :ok: I realise the original poster mentioned cv looking good for the "bigger airlines", but for those who happiness isn't flying between the same places each and ever day for the rest of their lives, I would definately say take the van!! Beauts machine...

And as for J3pipercub's flight (lucky bstrd)... pretty sure he would have loved the reflection on the old type ITT & Ng guages on the C208A :)

[frigatebird]

:ok:Love the photo of the Islander over the water, J3.
Reminds me of this one from page 8 of the second edition of the Air Pacific BAC 111 inflight magazine 'Islands', from early '81. Saw the original print before the ad was inserted, and it looked spectacular with the aircraft over the dark rippling water.

http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy129/bird__photo/SI/SolairMetro.jpg