Originally Posted by
Phantom Flyer
I realize that the attempt in starting this thread was to discuss the "design" philosophy of two engines vs. three; however, there is one point that hasn't been made and it's the reason tri-jets are not being manufactured anywhere in the world today. There is no market for them because of the cost of the third seat; i.e., the third pilot.
Three engines does not equal three pilots on relatively modern aircraft.
MD-11, Falcon 7X, etc.