Bitter experience has formed my preference in the turbine singles versus twins debate. While a twin turbine is undoubtedly safer than a single turbine, the facts are that the single turbines compete with ageing piston twins in the unpressurised nine-seat class. For me, that fact changes things completely.
Having flown both Cessna Caravans and piston twins in Papua New Guinea, I find it comes down to a choice between an ageing aircraft that would struggle to get to a viable airstrip on one piston engine versus a robust turbine single that I could confidently place in almost any clearing with an excellent chance of the fuselage (and its contents) remaining intact. With due consideration to airmanship and a realistic approach to route planning, I choose the Caravan.
Dave Innes Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Source: Flight International
