Page 29 - Twin & Turbine May 2017

4. What are the top reasons you see pilots stepping up into turbine aircraft?
The reliability is first. They know they are always going to be able to start the engine, whether it be a PT-6 or a jet engine. A pilot stepping up might also be looking at the simplicity of the aircraft operation or the added performance. But usually, the primary goal is finding out the amount of safety-related features their money can buy; two engines, advanced avionics, etc. – especially if they’re coming from a single-engine piston or operate out of challenging terrain.
5. Can you tell us about one of your most memorable trips?
Back in 1990, we took the Caravan on a demo tour to Moscow, Russia. We landed at the larger, city airport at first, but then needed to transport to another location around 10 miles away for an airshow. We were required to have a Russian navigator on board, so once he showed up, we were on our way – flying at 1,000 feet, staring at apartment buildings taller than us. He soon points where we need to land and we l o o k d o w n j u s t t o s e e a g r a s s f i e l d w i t h •a c o u p l e o f a i r p l a n e s . Turns out Russia does airshows a bit differently than we do. The focus is the aerial performers, not booths or vendors on the ground – we were the only OEM there. People sure were excited to see a new airplane though! T&T
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