Originally Posted by
Wizofoz
I would dare say still pretty lousy (plus the fact that most piston engines still in production are varients of 1930s designs!!!). However, etops weren't granted to turbine engines designed in 1966.
However, the concession of unlimited diversion time to trijets like B727 does date back to 1960-s. The wording of the rule sounds like turboprop trimotors also automatically have unlimited diversion time.
Originally Posted by
Wizofoz
As I said, ETOPs is basically an exemption from the rues under a particular set of guidelines. I suppose it is concievable that a theoretical piston could demonstrate the required reliability, in which case you could request that it be included or a new set of guidelines be set up. I doubt that any such engine exisits, however, and would be interested to know what operation you propose would need an ETOPs piston rather than a turbine?
Then what are the disadvantages of turbines?
Why are there still piston-engined propeller planes - why arenīt they all turboprops? And on land, while Mazda keeps producing Wankel cars, gas turbine cars do not appear popular.