>>1903377Advantage over piston engines: night and day difference in reliability, especially with ease of startup. Easier to maintain, and so long as ITT/EGT temperature limitations are followed, turboprop engines will long outlast TBO. Much easier to operate, no need to observe EGT and CHT relationships with the mixture for best economy and power. Jet A is cheaper and more easily obtained.
Over a turbofan: smaller and better fuel economy on shorter flights. Better takeoff/landing performance for aircraft.
There may be a return to turboprops in the regional world branded under some green initiative. If the bullshit shortage keeps going the way it does, the Majors might take back some regional scope, such as reducing from 76 seats down to sub 50 seats, and put the EMB-120 and DHC-8 sized aircraft back on center stage, which also in part can reduce the certification requirements for prospective pilots, as Part 135 scheduled ops has a limit of 30 seats. SkyWest under their startup Part 135 brand, SkyWest Charters is planning to remove seats from their CRJ-200 to comply with the 30 seat limit, as well as hire pilots past the age of 65, and sub ATP minimums as Part 135 doesn't require the age limit or an ATP for the FO. I don't know what the industry will look like in 20 years, but strange times are coming.
