I agree with all that...but would caution against any decisions being based on 'like we do in jets'.
There is just too many differences in handling and performance. Viva la difference is my attitude...one of the things that boils my blood quickest is innappropriate SOP transference between FAR25 certified jets and CAR 3, or if you're really 'lucky' FAR 23 GA types. As the average light twin, and some not so light twins, AFMs say...if you do everything right you will get a maximum ROC or a minimum ROD.
In my view piston twins offer a great deal in exchange for exposure on takeoff which is really not hugely greater than a heavy single...if you're prepared to pay the 300% cost premium.
That is the bottom line in my view...cost...the overall statistics suggest that any increased safety of one over the other is really to vague to actually quantify with any certainty. That is a shame because it should be a no brainer...I guess the no brainers are to blame.
As far as the holding onto the gear until blah blah is concerned I think it just stems from people being asked by the boss why the just parked an expensive twin on it's belly 50m from the other end of the runway.
Certainly I agree that with most twins, most of the time, the sooner you pull the gear up the better.
In fact, thread creap aside, I pull the gear up on my Bonanza as soon as + climb achieved. It's a whole other set of considerations and mindsets but leaving the gear down on any retractable has important considerations that many people are unaware of....given the questioning looks I get from people who fly my Bonanza.
Once I explain why I retract the gear quickly and demonstate it the light comes on.
Last edited by Chimbu chuckles; 14th June 2006 at 09:34.