Flyer article-Single Engine Turboprop
 

Just been reading the article on single engine turbos (SET). Suggest you look the mag up and read. Any hows why can't we have more SET operations in this country? I am sure that it would benefit us all, wannabes and air charter alike. We all need the experience but stepping into a shiny jet first time is unlikely from what I read. Perhaps things will change. I would be quite happy to cut my commercial teeth on a PC12 or Caravan flying pax around. What do ya think? Maybe we could go out buy one and operate it. Cheaper and more reliable than a twin piston so they say.

The problem lies with the CAA/JAA view at present on Single Engine Public Transport operations in IMC / at night, as outlined in that article. Until they accept the apparent reliability of single engine turboprops I can't see anyone forking out the $3m or so for a PC12 to operate commercially in VMC only.

There are however plenty of PC12/TBM700s flying around on private/corporate flighs in IMC/at night and they haven't managed to wipe out any towns yet. But that logic seems to escape my erstwhile employers!! :rolleyes:

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"Take-off is optional, Landing is mandatory"

eyeinthesky

Seems a damn shame. I am sure that SETs could help ease the congestion and provide a much needed start for some of us wannabes. Personally I quite like the idea of say operating out of Biggin Hill. I am sure that there is agreat oppurtunity being missed.

Rex

[This message has been edited by rex (edited 14 April 2001).]

I quite agree it's a shame, and would also jump at the chance. You may also be aware of Richard Noble's efforts to get the Farnborough F1 off the ground (pardon the pun), and many commentators reckon the sticking point will be the SEIFR rules in Europe. They reckon the US market might be a good one for it.

Tell you what: You buy one and I'll help you fly it!

Perhaps things will change once there is more long term data available from the US on reliability, but don't hold your breath. I remember there was a bit of a row a couple of years back about someone operating a Danish or Norwegian registered Caravan on newspaper flights in the UK which the CAA stopped.



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"Take-off is optional, Landing is mandatory"

eyeinthesky
I had read about the F1 and seemed good to me.
If I do buy an SET, why not an F1,( maybe those 6 numbers will come up on Sat or Wed) I'll let you know. If the rules change in Europe maybe there will be a chance.

Looking at responses is everybody on this forum just wanting big jets to fly

I'm not particularly interested in big jets. A nice turboprop or maybe a citation would do nicely part time. Trouble is persuading anyone to let you in the door.

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"Take-off is optional, Landing is mandatory"

As someone operating one of the aircraft type named above, I can assure you that the JAA is not opposed to SE IFR but the problem lies with the CAA. Things are changing and for the better.

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If you can't save the engine...save the airframe :D

The situation will not be helped by the fact that a Piper Malibu Meridian crashed in Florida late last week killing all on board.

Engine failure shortly after take off.

SET will help alot with commuting in and out of little populated areas where it's to expencive to operate a twin!

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Nothing to see here, just making use of the internet!

My guess is that is must be safer to fly a SET rather than a light piston twin.

AMEX

Good to hear. When I qualify maybe I can ask for a job. Anyway we could move the CAA along. As mentioned it would be great for small town commuting. Just think of all the places you could get to.

:)REX