The comments made by Kevin Walsh and Andy Adams ("Stating the obvious" and "Stopping point", Flight International, 12-18 October) seem to be made with the "old guard" attitude towards single-engined aircraft.
The Pilatus PC-12 has proved itself in daily operations around the world in some of the most rugged terrain and operating conditions. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police operates it in desolate territory over northern Canada and chose it to replace the DHC Twin Otter, a wonderfully reliable workhorse.
As to Mr Adams' question "How far does it go when the engine stops at 800ft ?" I answer: about as far as the overloaded, overworked and ageing Cessna 400s, Piper Navajos and Dukes still operating in air-taxi operations in many parts of Europe and elsewhere.
JAMES WILKINS
FLÖRSHEIM AM MAIN, GERMANY
Source: Flight International
