Piston Twin or Single Turbine - which way would you go ???
 

I was just wondering which way most people would go if faced with the idea "Piston Twin or Single Turbine" with regards to a flying job.

I have spoken to a few people in this circumstance, and some have chosen to fly the twin, rather than a single turbine (as they see it better for airlines). A few have opted for the single turbine hours, as they see turbine time more precious than twin time.

Which way would you go ??

What would opperators look for - Twin OR turbine time ?? :confused:

A large number of companies require 500 hours multi-engine for employment, sure turbine time can be an advantage but I think twin time is more important.

Most if not all airlines require multi-engine time because of their insurance requirements. Wether single engine turbine time or mutli-piston time is better is really not the issue. Sure a modern turbine single could statisically be safer that a 25 year old Barron (though you'd never catch me in any IFR single on a dark and dirty night), the point is that flying a twin forces the pilot to always consider the options if a failure occurs. It is this thought process that the airlines are looking for when they require 500 hours on twins. Ask yourself this question,are there any of these intergated airline backed flying schools offering single turbine time in place of the Duchess when they train thier IFR stuudents?

Christ - Half your luck to have a choice! :D

Good on you though. I'd take the multi piston, like others will say, you need it for the airlines and hey if you're being offered a single turbine now - maybe with multi time that will turn into a multi turbine - best of both worlds.

Twin

It all comes down to personal preference and opportunities.

You also have to look at the bigger picture .. ie WHERE do YOU want to end up??

Personally, I'd go for the piston twin, as it does make you consider failures and also alot of companies have twins in their fleet, so you may start on a single but progress to a twin...

Not too many companies out there operate Turbine singles, BUT if this is where you want your career to be(maybe RFDS - PC12s??)take the Turbine option.

If however you want an airline job, look at the bigger picture and go the twin. Single engine turbine time can go against you if you get too much of it.

All the best with your decision!!

JetRacer

:D