Enthusiasm and a thirst for adventure know no bounds. While some love to hit the roads with their roaring vehicles, others prefer to surf over aggressive ocean waves, and then there are those who love to dominate the skies with their precious aircraft. However, two elements are a must amongst these three categories of fanatics - adequate knowledge and know-how of their favorite adventure route. A lack of these two aspects would translate into a compromise on your safety and ultimately lead to life-threatening accidents.
Beyond a doubt, adrenaline-pumping adventures boast a lack of rivalry amongst enthusiasts. But you should never put your life at stake for it. What is the point of an adventure that will cost you your life? As Canada’s leading aviation welding technicians, we would like to emphasize the importance of adequate precaution when embarking on any adventurous voyages.
As wise men say prevention is better than cure.
Unfortunately, when dealing with aircraft, accidents rarely give you the chance to cure any injuries. Thus, we would say, prevention is better than remorse. In this regard, the importance of information can not be emphasized enough. If you are not familiar with the mechanical entity you are dealing with, especially an aircraft, how will you be able to operate it?
As experts in aircraft component repairs, maintenance, and manufacturing, we believe it is our duty to enlighten you regarding the subject. Since it is not possible to cover each aspect of aviation safety, this blog will start with the basics and inform you about the different types of light aircraft in general aviation.
What Is General Aviation?
This is a subset of aviation and includes all the types of aircraft that are not used for commercial flights or military operations. These include aircraft used for private transportation and recreational purposes. Thus, adventure flights will fall into this category of aviation.
Let us now discuss the types of light aircraft that fall within general aviation:
Conventional Piston Twin
Since we are the world’s largest radial and vintage aircraft exhaust company, let us start with a conventional delight. This multi-engine aircraft is suitable for enthusiasts who wish to cover a distance of under 300nm without making a fuel stop. In the 70s and 80s, these planes were very famous. However, due to the presence of two engines, this aircraft has to bear significant fuel expenses. Moreover, handling two engines simultaneously is not child's play.
For these reasons, the piston twin vogue has not remained the same since the introduction of more efficient and cost-effective planes.
Single Piston Landing Gear
This aircraft can cover a distance of 500nm to 1500nm and is frequently referred to as tailwheel or taildragger. The single-piston landing gear is currently the most famous type of light aircraft and adventure enthusiasts often use them for recreational purposes. You might have also seen them in movies. This plane has two front wheels and one at the back to support its tail.
Although the taildragger enjoys immense popularity due to its lightweight and ease of use, its front visibility is often considered the biggest drawback. The latter often results in numerous nose-over accidents.
Single Turboprop
At this point, let us discuss some contemporary light aircraft options available at your disposal. This aircraft features a gas turbine engine and has an unimaginably light framework. The latter makes it extremely efficient, light, and easy to use. Moreover, the use of better technology in its manufacturing has made it extremely fast while keeping its fuel costs in check.
However, this level of convenience does not come for free. Thus, single turboprops are quite expensive. Another drawback of this aircraft is that it can approximately travel only 1300nm at a time.
Twin Turboprop
Unlike a single turboprop, a twin-turboprop features two engines that are mounted on a tractor setup. Another major difference between these two aircraft is that the twin-turboprop has two propellers while a single turboprop has only one. The biggest perk that you can enjoy from this aircraft is that it is the fastest and most fuel-efficient on our list. Moreover, it also steals the show in terms of beauty as its sleek design attracts attention from afar.
About Acorn Welding
From humble beginnings in a 400 sq. ft. upstairs hangar room in the early 1970s, Acorn Welding has grown to become Canada’s leading aircraft exhaust and engine mount company. From regular maintenance to complex repairs, we can handle everything seamlessly. Contact us now to solve your aviation needs.
