DrewEckhardt 0 #26 September 10, 2014 riggerrob.... Twin engines, safer, Single engined planes don't crash hard due to a Vmc roll after loosing an engine like this Queen Air twin (14 dead, dozens injured, 20 houses damaged) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqmomTUVsAw Quote You and I are going to have to "agree to disagree" about twin engines being "safer." Light twins require precise piloting skills IMMEDIATELY after one engine quits. If the engine quits on a Cessna, Kodiak, PAC 750, Porter, etc. the pilot only has one decision make: which field to land in? Exactly, plus the plane will be rubber side down for the emergency landing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #27 September 10, 2014 .... (And would a see through bubble like window in the floor not be cool for spotting) ...................................................................... Agreed. Most pilots would spot much better if they had a window in the cockpit floor (ala deHavilland Cariboo). Bulged side windows are another option. Has any skydiver flown in a Twin Otter with Vista View windows? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #28 September 10, 2014 ***A little off topic, but my dream ship would be: Top wing, with dehidral, similar wing to the PAC, but a bit longer. Twin diesel engines, turbo charged, 700Hp each .. Diesel engines are not yet so explored in "larger" aviation, but they do perform much better at altitude, and economical. ......................................................................... Diesel engines climb better because most of them are turbo-charged. OTOH less than half of small (less than 300 horsepower) airplane engines are turbo-charged or super-charged. That makes Diesel engines heavier than gasoline engine with similar horsepower. While diesels may be more fuel- efficient (on long flights) the heavier curb weight out-weighs the lighter fuel, so that negates any diesel advantage on short-range missions like skydiving. The primary advantage of diesels is that they can burn a much wider range of fuels: car gas, a gas, truck diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, ethanol, moonshine, natural gas, etc. As the price of gasoline increases, alternative fuel engines (e.g. diesel) will become more attractive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
totter 2 #29 September 11, 2014 Hi Rob, Been in many Vista Liners (aka Twin Otter w/ big windows). The view to to side is greatly increased, of course, but the view down isn't increased. Known DZ ops that would like one for tandems, since video in aircraft would be better. The down side is that a Vista Liner weighs about 1000 lbs more then a stock Twin Otter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #30 September 11, 2014 totterHi Rob, Been in many Vista Liners (aka Twin Otter w/ big windows). The view to to side is greatly increased, of course, but the view down isn't increased. Known DZ ops that would like one for tandems, since video in aircraft would be better. The down side is that a Vista Liner weighs about 1000 lbs more then a stock Twin Otter. ............................................... 1,000 pounds greater empty weight? Ouch! That means leaving a couple of tandems on the ground. That may explain why Maldives Airlines only has one Vista Liner in their fleet of floating Twin Otters. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gunsmokex 1 #31 October 26, 2014 Well next weekend will definitely be interesting. I get to go from the slowest skydiving planes, a C182 and C206 to Mullins King Air! Haha can't wait. Happy early Halloween! I've already been warned about farting on the plane. Somehow that reduces horsepower. See ya by the bonfire! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #32 October 26, 2014 If you fart too often, they will shove one end of a hose up your butt. The other end of the hose will be attached to the engine, so that ever time you fart the plane will climb 500 feet. Best advice for faster airplanes: have your gear on and ready to jump when you board the airplane. Keep your eyes outside the airplane, so you will know where you are when the door opens. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dilligas 0 #33 October 26, 2014 gunsmokexI've already been warned about farting on the plane. Somehow that reduces horsepower. Yes, some pilots will get so annoyed at skydivers constantly making their working conditions miserable, that they will retaliate by cutting you short on altitude. So, keep your pilot happy, and hold your farts in until you're out in freefall. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites