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From: Scott
[mailto:sky@skysmith.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 09, 2006 11:35
AM
To: Lancair
Subject: RE: [LML] Re: Lancair down in
Georgia
I too believe that there is typically a
perception about better reliability and safety with a turbine
engine. I also insure a number of turbine experimental aircraft (not just
the Lancair) so I watch this market constantly.
I personally haven't seen
anything specific that correlates that a turbine or turbo prop is the
problem. There are numerous factors from the insurance perspective
besides just the engine. One thought is that it might be the type of
engine that was purchased, the maintenance and overhaul before it was
installed. Many of the turbine engines used in experimental aircraft are
not brand new and are surplus (sometimes military) and imported.
Unless they are completely rebuilt and upgraded with new components
and to new standards, they are like any other used engine and have the risk
associated with a used engine. Not to say that new engines don't fail
but you know more about a 0 time engine and have certain expectations compared
to a used engine.
From an insurance perspective, you see turbines
in corporate and commercial aircraft...so overall the marketplace perceives
turbines as lower risk. BUT, even with that in mind, insurance for a
turbine powered experimental (or even a certified aircraft) have higher pilot
requirements and generally higher premiums. A few factors that
contribute to insurance cost are: the cost to repair a turbine and the
values of the aircraft they are installed in. Additionally the
performance parameters of most turbine/turbo prop aircraft are substantially
higher than a piston powered plane and often the pilot experience for the
experimental aircraft seems to be lower. .
Regards:
Scott Sky
Smith
Perhaps someone in the insurance industry could shed light
on this issue.
They oughta know - they have big bucks riding on
it.
Scott at Skysmith care to weigh in on
this?
Robert M. Simon,
ES-P N301ES
Listers,
It seems to me there
have been a disproportionate number of unexplained turbine engine failures that
have resulted in wrecked airplanes, lost lives, and heartaches. I thought
they had the edge in reliability. Is there a common thread in the
install? I can think of enough crashes that suggest maybe there is more
safety in a standard piston install.
Michael
Smith
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