Making predictions is hard work, and stating opinions is always risky. There is a French proverb that says “Il n’y a que les imbéciles qui ne changent pas d’avis” – only idiots don’t change their minds…

Not sooner than three days ago, I wrote here that the pressurized version of the DA50 would be my aircraft of choice, if I were in position to buy an aircraft now. Shortly said the advantages of pressurization are higher altitudes without oxygen, and less ear problems. On the same day, Mooney anounced a common engineering work with Rolls-Royce to fit a RR550 turbine engine on their airframe.

Yes, a turbine engine, not a turbo engine. If the project is sucessful, it will result in a new four seater turboprop aircraft. Turboprops have many advantages over piston aircraft:

• Simpler engine handling
• HUGE power reserve
• Runing on Jet-A1 (”cheap” airline kerosene)
• Possible use of reverse to shorten landing distance

The power reserve can be used for systems like bleed (hot) air de-icing and anti-icing, and… cabin pressurization ! There is already a market for single engine turboprop aircraft, but it addresses larger aircrafts, like the Piper Meridian (6 seater), the TBM 700 / 850 (6 seater), or the Pilatus PC-12 (up 9 passengers). Using such an aircraft as a “personal transporter” is hardly viable.

Turboprob is a synomym of reliability and nearly all weather operations, thanks to de-icing and pressurization. If I had to choose between a DA50 and a Mooney Ovation2 GX with G1000 and a turbine engine… I’m no longer sure that the Diamond would get my voice (seen that ? I’m learning how to be more nuanced…).

Click here to read the Mooney press release on the fitting of a R550 turbine on a Mooney airframe.