Quote:
Originally Posted by TopHatter
Regardless of the expense, how much safer is a twin-engine aircraft when you look at the various single-engine aircraft losses due to engine failure?
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That depends on what singles you count. For civilians, single engine aircraft are much safer because they are much easier to control after an engine failure. Among business operators, twins and tri-jets are much safer. That is due to two factors, more hours and more simulator training. Among airlines, it's a mixed bag. For Part 121 airlines, there is no question that twins, tri-jets and quads are safer. But, if you count in Part 135, it gets messier. Singles have a good safety reputation in Part 135, because of the large number of piston twins operated there. If I had to pick between a TBM700 and a Beech Baron both operating under Part 135 rules, I would probably side with the TBM700.
In the military, there is no doubt that the F-18 has been exceptionally safe. But, there are twin jets that have not been so. Singles like the F-16 and A-4 have had a rough history. Among the A-4 community it was not unrealistic to expect a fifty percent attrition over twenty years of service. The F-4 community saw some high attrition numbers. A lot of that is attributable to aerodynamics. The F-18 flies better with one engine failed than the F-4 does.
Sorry, no clear cut answer.