Why are multiple engines different?

Based on what people are saying in this discussion, it sounds as though a
pilot of a light twin has much to lose, and nothing to gain, vis-a-vis a
high-performance single.

So what is the point of a light twin, other than building hours to qualify
for a "real" multiengine aircraft?

Mark wrote:
Based on what people are saying in this discussion, it sounds as though a
pilot of a light twin has much to lose, and nothing to gain, vis-a-vis a
high-performance single.

So what is the point of a light twin, other than building hours to qualify
for a "real" multiengine aircraft?

The case against light twin piston aircraft is perhaps a little
overstated, but not by much. The harsh truth is that even at best the
pilot workload in a light twin is a lot heavier than in a single, and
there is no copilot to help. Since many pilots really do not fly all
that much it is difficult to stay current in a twin, which makes the
workload all that more difficult to manage. Add a few problems such as
turbulence in IMC, equipment failure, or an engine failure, and the
pilot can become real busy real fast. Then he better be very alert and
sharp.

But: if he is very alert and sharp, and maybe has somebody with him to
handle a few of the lighter chores, then some light twins will provide
a little more time before the plane is forced to land (a notorious few
will not). This can mean all the difference in the world if you are
flying at night or IMC.

Additionally, the light twin usually is a little faster (which is one
of the things that adds to the pilot workload -- a fast single has the
same problem). This comes at a huge cost in fuel consumption, of
course, but if money is no object the light twin will get you there
sooner.

It is difficult to determine how much of the bad accident record in
light twins is really due to the second engine or just the environment
they are flown in. The accident record in piston airplanes generally
trends worse as the plane gets faster and as it used more for IFR and
night operations anyway. Light twins are also more likely to have
anti-ice systems, which puts the pilot into another dangerous
environment. Typically these systems are not sufficient for operating
for more than short periods of time in icing conditions, but it is real
easy for a pilot to mis-judge the extent of the icing. Then again, the
additional complexity of fuel systems have bitten more than a few
pilots, too.

Once you get into turbo-props you start flying above the weather
(unless you are flying some non-pressurized turbo-prop) and have much
more reliable engines. This eliminates a lot of the problems found in
piston aircraft.

"cjcampbell" wrote in message
ps.com...
Once you get into turbo-props you start flying above the weather
(unless you are flying some non-pressurized turbo-prop) and have much
more reliable engines. This eliminates a lot of the problems found in
piston aircraft.


And, the vast majority of turbo-props are flown by professional pilots with
regular training.

Karl
"Curator" N185KG

karl gruber wrote:
"cjcampbell" wrote in message
ps.com...
Once you get into turbo-props you start flying above the weather
(unless you are flying some non-pressurized turbo-prop) and have much
more reliable engines. This eliminates a lot of the problems found in
piston aircraft.


And, the vast majority of turbo-props are flown by professional pilots with
regular training.

Exactly. Not too many bozos out there buzzing their girlfriend's house
in a turboprop.

The light twin costs more to buy and insure. It burn more
fuel for the same speed. It also can operate with
redundancy on more than just engine issues. There are
usually two of everything, so IFR is more comfortable. When
properly flown, by a properly trained pilot, it is safer.
A poorly trained pilot, who just got the quickie crash
course and who rarely gets recurrent training in multiengine
procedures, who doesn't carefully flight plan, will have
problems that the competent pilot will not have.

Train and twins are a lot of fun to fly. Over deserts and
oceans, a twin is a LOT more fun since you won't have to
swim as far or get as much sand in your shoes.



"Mark" wrote in message
...
| Based on what people are saying in this discussion, it
sounds as though a
| pilot of a light twin has much to lose, and nothing to
gain, vis-a-vis a
| high-performance single.
|
| So what is the point of a light twin, other than building
hours to qualify
| for a "real" multiengine aircraft?
|
|

Good GAWD...I show 275 posts (and that starts with a RE for what
should have taken a single paragraph, or two with expansion on the
reason.
Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

"Roger (K8RI)" wrote in message
...
Good GAWD...I show 275 posts (and that starts with a RE for what
should have taken a single paragraph, or two with expansion on the
reason.
Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

I know. he (that needs not be mentioned by name) is a plague descending upon
us.

I wonder how many worthwhile members have left us, now. I don't see many of the
regulars around here, lately.
--
Jim in NC

On 10/21/06 11:01, Morgans wrote:
"Roger (K8RI)" wrote in message
...
Good GAWD...I show 275 posts (and that starts with a RE for what
should have taken a single paragraph, or two with expansion on the
reason.
Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

I know. he (that needs not be mentioned by name) is a plague descending upon
us.

I wonder how many worthwhile members have left us, now. I don't see many of the
regulars around here, lately.

Well, it could be that 90% of the activity is due to the troll's threads,
and most have (wisely, IMHO) decided not to respond to him further?


--
Mark Hansen, PP-ASEL, Instrument Airplane
Cal Aggie Flying Farmers
Sacramento, CA

"Mark Hansen" wrote

Well, it could be that 90% of the activity is due to the troll's threads,
and most have (wisely, IMHO) decided not to respond to him further?

Could be.

I have an idea! Lets all stop responding to him, and when he goes away, we can
see how many left!

Well, at least I tried.

Missed it by ... that much? g
--
Jim in NC

"Morgans" wrote in message
...

"Roger (K8RI)" wrote in message
...
Good GAWD...I show 275 posts (and that starts with a RE for what
should have taken a single paragraph, or two with expansion on the
reason.
Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

I know. he (that needs not be mentioned by name) is a plague descending
upon us.

I wonder how many worthwhile members have left us, now. I don't see many
of the regulars around here, lately.
--
Jim in NC

In my opinion this character is perhaps one of the best if not THE best I've
ever encountered on Usenet. He or she or whatever it is has redefined the
definition of trolling as far as I'm concerned. Absolutely all the
parameters have been met and in most cases exceeded; the gauntlet has been
picked up by some; totally ignored by others; gambits have been accepted and
carried to extreme ends by those engaging; the group has been effectively
split from within; an absolute must to define the success of the effort.
I'm actually quite satisfied with my early decision made when he/she engaged
me on another forum not engage this person. Its been interesting watching
him/her work this and other groups at the same time. In fact, its been one
of the best experiences I've encountered since entering Usenet many years
ago.
I love to watch someone work who really knows what they are doing, and this
character has been fun to watch.
I believe now that some in the groups are finally catching on to what's been
happening and joining those of us who have chosen simply to ignore the whole
thing. Those arguing among themselves about him/her/it/whatever, have in my
opinion simply been fodder for the cannon.
:-))
VERY interesting........and it has been VERY entertaining!!!!
:-)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Dudley Henriques