Perico Durán, airplane pilot: "Single-engine airplanes don't have the same level of safety as twin-engine airplanes, which is why they're almost always used on commercial flights."

Perico Durán, A320 captain, has shared some thoughts on the safety of propeller-driven aircraft on social media. As he explains, these flights are completely safe, although certain aspects need to be clarified to properly understand how they operate and how they differ from jet aircraft.

One of the key points Durán highlights is the distinction between single-engine and twin-engine aircraft. While the former do not offer the same level of safety, twin-engine aircraft, which predominate in commercial aviation, guarantee safety comparable to that of jets.

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♬ original sound - Perico Durán

The bad reputation they are sometimes given stems, according to the commander, from mixing very different operations. A recreational flight in a single-engine plane is not the same as a commercial flight operated with a modern turboprop, inspected and maintained to the same rigorous standards as a jet aircraft.

Modern turboprops, when used in commercial aviation, have maintenance and safety protocols identical to those of any jet. This demonstrates that risk perception is often based on inappropriate comparisons between aircraft types and types of operations.

A real characteristic of these aircraft is that they fly at lower altitudes. This reduces their ability to avoid turbulence and can make the flight feel more uncomfortable, especially compared to the smoothness of a higher-flying jet.

However, Durán emphasizes that this lower altitude does not imply less safety. Control procedures, periodic checks, and operating protocols ensure that, despite experiencing more movement, the flight is as safe as any other commercial aircraft.

Ultimately, flying a propeller-driven aircraft, especially in the context of commercial aviation, is a reliable experience. Understanding their operational differences and not confusing them with recreational flights allows us to properly assess their reliability and performance, demonstrating that safety is always guaranteed.