BN2A vs. C208
 

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

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.

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/o...b/IMGP2162.jpg

What did he say?

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!

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

Dr :8

Flying the back beam ?

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:

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?

Jack,

You may, just PM me your email address.

j3

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!

bongo
 

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:

What sort of scenery are you referring to?

This sort?

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/o...b/IMG_0442.jpg

OR......This sort

http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/o...b/IMG_0610.jpg

:E

j3

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

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:

Where do you get that type of rating from?

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

GFPT Single engine aircraft <5700 :p