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Old 03-02-2017 | 03:58 AM
  #14  
JohnBurke
Disinterested Third Party
 
Joined: Jun 2012
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At sea level.

The apache is slow, with the Geronimo marginally faster (140 kts). They're also old and bring with them a host of issues associated with their age.

I've never worked on any of the Piper indian twins that didn't have a plethora of screws that were the wrong type and size, and owners seem to have a fondnesss for driving PK screws into nutplates and the use of rivnuts, things which make any mechanic tear their hair out and drive up the maintenance costs when doing inspections or simple maintenance.

The apache, the basic airplane before the Geronimo conversion, doesn't actually have a positive rate of climb; when one engine fails, particularly on takeoff, retarding the other is often the appropriate course. Either way, selecting a place to put the airplane on the ground after takeoff, instead of planning a return to the airport, is a very likely outcome.

Experience that in the mountains on a ski trip, and your only choice will be off-field.
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