Peter Johnson misses the point. We need to compare like for like. Ageing multi-engine piston fleets are being replaced with single-engined turboprops such as the Cessna 208 Caravan and Pilatus PC-12. When taking a journey, it is the probability of completing it safely that counts. Multi-engined turbine aircraft are safe, but a single turbine gives the passenger a higher probability of completing a journey safely than the old multi-engine piston it replaces.
Experience in the USA and around the world has demonstrated that single-engine instrument flight rules in turboprops is safe. Statistically, a multi-engine piston operator has a higher probability of an accident and fatality compared to a single turbine operator. Surely this is reason enough to approve single turbine commercial IFR operations?
Alistair Ripper Exeter, UK
Source: Flight International
