Should i Install The Aviation Enterprises Wing Lets

[Skywalker]

Alex
i have great dilemma now ;-((((
and looking at C340
or C414A ( Less complicated fuel system and bonded wing), as you said how much worth is your life and health , it made me thinking once again, my typical flying will be over hostile terrains, and in this part of Europe we have lot of IFR weather.
But i was never fan of traditional twin pistons ,due to asymetric thrust issues,
Best aircraft would be Turbine, but i can afford them ;-(((
what would you advise?
P210 is out of question .
Mary Christmas to all SOAPA members

[JeffAxel]

Originally Posted by Skywalker

Alex
i have great dilemma now ;-((((
and looking at C340
or C414A ( Less complicated fuel system and bonded wing), as you said how much worth is your life and health , it made me thinking once again, my typical flying will be over hostile terrains, and in this part of Europe we have lot of IFR weather.
But i was never fan of traditional twin pistons ,due to asymetric thrust issues,
Best aircraft would be Turbine, but i can afford them ;-(((
what would you advise?
P210 is out of question .
Mary Christmas to all SOAPA members

I can see where a P210 isn't your choice, and it wasn't a recommendation, just what I chose. If I had the desire and need to fly over hostile terrain in winter, and operating expenses were not a limitation, I would recommend turbine equipment. Much more reliable engines and systems, and much better climb rate. If you can't get into a turboprop, any FIKI piston twin would be a better choice than a P337 in my opinion. The C414A has among the lowest accident rates of the pressurized piston twins and wouldn't be a bad choice, especially with RAM engines with higher horsepower and better climb rates than the stock airplane. Good luck on whatever you choose, and Merry Christmas!

[JamesC]

There are SO many factors to look at when deciding upon an aircraft that we can’t even scratch the surface of them here. The later P210 model is a beautiful example of a pressurized FIKI single but I like the engine out rate of climb better in the Skymaster. The 414A is a phenomenal twin but you will need a boatload of multi time to get affordable insurance.

[JeffAxel]

Originally Posted by JamesC

There are SO many factors to look at when deciding upon an aircraft that we can’t even scratch the surface of them here. The later P210 model is a beautiful example of a pressurized FIKI single but I like the engine out rate of climb better in the Skymaster. The 414A is a phenomenal twin but you will need a boatload of multi time to get affordable insurance.

Any pressurized airplane will be expensive to insure, including the P337. I wasn't recommending the P210 for this OP, just saying what I did since someone asked. If I was in his situation, I would try really hard to find a way to make turbine equipment work. My guess is the one engine out climb rate in most piston twins with accumulated ice would be near zero, and possibly negative. I am just trying to add some factors for the OP consider based on my experience. The P337 would not be a good choice for his proposed mission based on that experience. I went down the P337 road, didn't work for me in the part of the world I live in. He is saying his environment is similar. Others may and can choose differently.

[JimC]

The 340 is a great plane for the mission you describe. I put about 200-250 hrs/yr on mine. It has a higher capital cost but similar ongoing maintenance costs to a tricked out P337. Fuel burn is higher for slightly more speed and a *lot* more payload and cabin space.

I fly in ice and in the mountains on a regular basis and the ability to climb through lower layers at 1500ft/min or more is a great asset. My MEAs are lower than yours so I stay under the high icing layers in the spring and fall.

Single engine work in the 340 isn't bad. With VGs and strakes installed, I'm never in the air at speeds below Vmc. Insurance is available for a very low time multi pilot if you bring along an instructor for your first few hours (it's a good idea even without the insurance requirement.)

Note that only the 1977 and later model 340s are FIKI.

PM me for more info on the 340.

[Jerry De Santis]

I have a 1975 P337G with boots. I owned this plane for 20 years and while I agree that it is not rated for known icing, the deice equipment got me out of trouble several times. The plane itself will fly quite well with a load of ice on it. But that is something you do not want to look to do. If you can find a good P model with deice equipment, don't be afraid of it. As for winglets go, I don't recommend them. Herb had them on his plane and took them off. That is another subject and you should contact Herb regarding them. In addition to the deice equipment on my plane, I also have engine inter coolers that produces a bit more power from the engines.

Good plane hunting!
Jerry N34EC.