Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

[Superpilot]

Anyone know which types fall into the above descriptions?

..or is it based purely on empty weight?

[2Donkeys]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

...and on the use to which the aircraft is being put and regulatory regime being asked about. If the question relates to FAA and Part 135, the answer will be a different one than CAA and Private Cat.

Big King Airs sit on the dividing line when it comes to Turbine Twins.

[Superpilot]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

OK lets say a UK based twin that will do daily air taxi runs to European destinations.

[Frank Furillo]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

Try Lasors 2006, it has a list of all aircraft requirements.

[Intruder]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

Originally Posted by Superpilot

Anyone know which types fall into the above descriptions?

..or is it based purely on empty weight?

Such distinctions are usually based on max TO Gross Weight. Since most jets require 2 pilots, I suspect the Cessna Citation (one of the exceptions) is among the largest single-pilot twins.

[Paranoid Parrot]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

5,700Kgs is the max take off weight figure. But I understand that all aircraft flown under the public transport category have to be flown with two pilots, and that could be with aircraft less than 5,700Kgs.

[Say again s l o w l y]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

The smallest performance A a/c was the Shorts 330, though how it got certified I'll never know. At max GW the thing would only just manage 500'/min on BOTH engines. That was with the heating off aswell!

Hasn't the 5700kg rule disappeared now?

[gravitysucks]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

A couple of operators in the Channel Islands operate 17 pax Trislanders - 4700kg(ish) MTOW with a single pilot approval under JAR and on scheduled services.

[His dudeness]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

If your question is about commercial ops (JAROPS), any perf class A aircraft has to be operated by 2 crew, even if FAR/JAR 23. (e.g. CitationJet). A perf class B aircraft may be operated single hand. perf class B is limited to max 5700kg - so the KingAir B200 is most likely the "biggest" single pilot twin.
There are hybrids like the C500 - a true 2 crew aircraft (AFM/POH says minimum crew - 2) and the C501 - same aeroplane, different AFM/POH (okay pedants, there is an autopilot, boom mike etc) that is a single pilot aircraft. (only private ops in JAROPS country).
Under JARFCL, it is (theoretically) quite easy to seperate them: a 2 crew aeroplane requires a TYPERATING, a singlehand aircraft a CLASRATING.
The new CJ3 is somewhat in between, beeing over 5700kg, but still a class rating C525...
(No rules without exemption!)

[Meeb]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

Just to correct a point, Perf B is for rotary wing aircraft.

The King Air, Twin Otter etc are Perf C.

*Edited to add that the above is under the CAA regs, god knows what they are under the new fangles JAR thingy... *

[Big Pistons Forever]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

I used to fly a Grumman Tracker (GTOW 26000 LBS) single pilot, firebombing in Canada. It was commercially certified but restricted to day VFR.

[zlin77]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

I believe that DC-3's were operated single pilot in New Zealand doing ag. work.
I operated Herons(DH-114) single pilot in charter operations, max. tow. 13,500 lbs. however in RPT ops we required both seats filled!

[Treetopflyer]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

It is true that the answer varies greatly depending on country / type of operations. According strictly to JAR-FCL, I'd say:

- Largest single-crew twin: Beech 1900D @ 7781 kg MTOW. If we start talking single-pilot airplanes, in the old days the Canadair CL-215 would be one of the biggest @ 19730 kg MTOW even though it was operated with a pilot and a mechanic (just like the DC3s and DHC4s).

- Smallest multi-crew twin: Cessna Citation 500 @ 4920 kg MTOW. Talking turboprops, it's gotta be the Let 410 @ 6600 kg MTOW. Much smaller than the Shorts 330 which weighs over 10 tons!

Meeb

According to the "new fangles JAR thingy", which I am afraid has been implemented for quite a few years now and applies even to Scotland :

• Perf A = Multi-turboprops with MTOW > 5700kg or capacity > 9 pax & all multi-turbojets. This would include larger King Airs and Twin Otters.

• Perf B = Propeller airplanes with MTOW ≤ 5700 kg & capacity ≤ 9 pax.

• Perf C = Piston airplanes with MTOW > 5700kg or capacity > 9 pax.

(JAR-OPS 1.470) Cheers mate,

-- TTF

[WHBM]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

Talking turboprops, it's gotta be the Let 410 @ 6600 kg MTOW

I seem to recall that the Turbolet 410 I used when skydiving (UK base, Ukrainian reg a/c and crew) just had a pilot and engineer up front.

[Treetopflyer]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

Well, it still seems to be in the JAR-FCL multi-pilot airplanes list, though... You know what people do... I've seen some operate a Caravelle with a single pilot and two mechanics... And it's definitely not a single-pilot airplane...

Cheers,

-- TTF.

[-IBLB-]

Re: Smallest multi-crew twin and largest single pilot twin

How about a 2 crew single-engine?
The AN2 requires two with max t/o wt 5500kg