Planes I Don’t Like (PIP)
This is a Pollitically Incorrect Post (PIP). Don’t read it if you’re not used to refreshing ideas and raw truth.
Oh Shocking ! Yes, there are planes I don’t like ! Even an aviation professional and fan like me don’t like all planes. So if PC-12, Boeing 747 and DA40 are amongst my favorites, those I don’t like are… the Beech 1900 and the Piaggio Avanti.
It’s well known in the flying community that good looking planes normally fly well. On this base, I can’t imagine how bad the Beech 1900 flies. This plane is strangely high (or surprisingly narrow, your choice…) and has a Pinnochio like nose.
On top of that, this plane is covered of aerodynamical “corrections”, giving it its very “own” look. The T-tail has mini-winglets which are not at the end of the tail, plus kind of a mini-wing on the fuselage just before the tail. It is also “equipped” with stabilizers below the tail, “à la LearJet”. I’m even wondering where the lift comes from…
Now, the Piaggio Avanti. I recognise many virtue to Italian designers, who are (normally) very talented. This plane looks like a suppository, as if air streched it. The special moustache on the nose gives the plane a sad appereance.
The other reason for which I don’t like the Piaggio Avanti is its very special noise. I do live slightly off the localizer at three miles on final. Airplane noise is somehow part of my life, and it is not a problem. But the Piaggio Avanti noise is on a higher tone, making it very disturbing.
I don’t know exactly where this noise comes from. May be the pushing turboprop engine ? Other turboprops don’t make the same whining noise.
With this PIP I crossed the yellow line of decency, and the door is now open for polemics… so let me know if you (don’t) share my views, and which planes YOU dislike !
4 Comments, Comment or Ping
Pat
I can see Beech 1900D all day at Rennes.
I sometimes see a Piaggio Avanti too.
As far as I know, its “mixer noise” comes from the exhaust gaz hatched by the propellers.
Dec 10th, 2007
Kevin
I have to disagree with you regarding the the Avanti. Having done many hours of flying in a Long Ez, I respect the Canard (the moustache as you put it). If you haven’t flown in a Canard aircraft I sugeest doing so. While you are at it, try and stall it- you won’t. This is the reason so many pilots like Canard Pushers. Speaking of a pusher, the engine performance is cleaner and more efficient that a ‘puller’. So I say good on the Avanti, it is an awsome aircraft, don’t forget the military style LG, that alone is worth 2 thumbs up!
Dec 11th, 2007
PlasticPilot
@Pat:
thanks for the info about the noise’s source.
@Kevin:
I know this plane has good flying characteristics, and many advantages
This post was purely subjective, and aimed at starting a debate, expressing personal opinions only.
If I may ask, what are your favorite, and “less favorite” planes ?
Dec 11th, 2007
Woody
Plastico:
Golly, that Beech is one ugly bitch!
As for the Avanti in Ferrari colors, I guess you have never heard a Ferrari F1 going through the s’s at Watkins Glen, NY! They make prettier music than Luciano Pavarotti did. Maybe the one you heard wasn’t tuned right.
Dec 13th, 2007
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