Piaggio Avanti - Single Pilot?

[User546]

I was sitting at a midwest airport yesterday and there was an Avanti that was positioned on the ramp, and when they passengers loaded and they prepared to taxi out, I observed that there was only one pilot up front.

I thought at first that maybe the First Officer was in the back taking care of the passengers, closing the door, etc. But the plane sat there a good 3 or 4 minutes before it began taxiing out.

My impression was always that the Avanti was not a single-pilot aircraft. Who here can set me straight about it?

 

[SkyBoy1981]

It is single pilot.

 

[HAL]

If its max gross weight is less than 12.5k, it is single pilot.

There's a fractional operation using them out of LAS, and yes, they're all single pilot.

HAL

 

[EatSleepFly]

If its max gross weight is less than 12.5k, it is single pilot.

What does that have to do with anything? There's several types out there that are over 12.5k and still single pilot.

 

[User546]

Allright, well thanks guys. That's a new one to me. Everytime I've seen them they've been dual crewed and hadn't thought anything about them until yesterday.

 

[SkyBoy1981]

When I flew corporate our company borrowed one from another flight department on the field to do a trip once. The Piaggio pilot was giong to just do it single pilot, but our company policy required two pilots on board so they checked me out to ride right seat in it. It is a very neat airplane.

 

[Jim]

If its max gross weight is less than 12.5k, it is single pilot.

There's a fractional operation using them out of LAS, and yes, they're all single pilot.

HAL

Actually the fractional that operates Piaggios is Avantair and they are now 135. Both 91K and 135 require 2 pilots for the Piaggio.

International Gaming Technologies (IGT) flies a Piaggio on a regular basis between LAS and RNO. It is 91 and flies single pilot.

 

[FN FAL]

When I flew corporate our company borrowed one from another flight department on the field to do a trip once. The Piaggio pilot was giong to just do it single pilot, but our company policy required two pilots on board so they checked me out to ride right seat in it. It is a very neat airplane.

I always liked the Piaggio Avanti...I don't know anything about them, I just like them. Sounds like it was a great opportunity for you.

I saw one of their twin pusher amphib planes at an airport party a couple of years ago...looked like a big twin engine, 4 place, flying tank. With reversable props on recip engines.

 

[HAL]

What does that have to do with anything? There's several types out there that are over 12.5k and still single pilot.

It's in the FAR's. A 'large' aircraft weighs more than 12,500lbs (max T/O wt) and is normally certified for two pilot operations. There are some lately that have been able to get around it, but it requires special individual aircraft and pilot certification - The new Cessna CJ3 comes to mind.

And as Jim said above, some operations for part 135 and 91K require two pilots at less than that weight.

As a general rule though, 12.5k is the cutoff for single pilot ops.

HAL

 

[LJ45]

part 23 commuter catergory!

I believe if it is over 12,500 lbs and single pilot it is certified under part 23 in the commuter category (which allows part 23 aircraft greater weights than
12,5oolbs) vs. part 25 which would require two pilots. King air 350/1900, CJ3 etc.

 

[LJ45]

or....

In the case of the CE550 you have an annual waiver from the FAA!