What is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?

I am thinking to buy a plane but I see that all of the cheap ones are single engine, what is the difference and can I travel from San Antonio, TX to Orlando FL with it? also can I go to Puerto Rico with it? How much those it cost the gas and the storage? maintanance ectWhat is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?It's pretty hard to get a good answer with a question like that.



You can fly cross country in this - it's been coast to coast 4 times. over 18,000 miles. With a 2 cycle 2 cylinder 50 hp engine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5EpKHcYv鈥?/a> enjoy the video.



Fuel. - rough average - 6-8 gph for a single and 12-25 for twins. Fuel averages right now at $4.72 http://www.airnav.com/fuel/report.html

900 miles - KSAT to KORD, 7.2 hours @ 125 mph, 57.6 gallons @ 8 gph. ($271.80 + 2-3 quarts of oil)

Hanger $200/mo, annuals $2-6K, engine overhaul 8-12K, replacement engine 30,000+

Come again once you have started your flight training. sport pilot - $4-5K, PPL $7-10KWhat is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?
A single-engine plane has only one engine; a multiengine plane has two or more engines. That's the only difference.



You need a different pilot certification to fly multiengine planes in most jurisdictions. They are more expensive to purchase, operate, and maintain than single-engine planes. They use more fuel, too. Their main advantages are usually better performance and higher speed, plus greater reliability.



The chances of a single engine failing on a multiengine plane are higher than they would be on a single-engine plane, because there are more engines. However, the chances of all engines failing on a multiengine plane are lower than they are on a single-engine plane, so as long as the airplane can still fly acceptably on one engine, the multiengine plane is more reliable. This varies a lot by airplane. Some small twins can barely stay in the air on one engine, so having two engines doesn't help much unless you're close to sea level. Other small twins can maintain quite a useful altitude even with one engine, so having two engines provides an important increment in safety. Twin-jets can usually fly just fine on one engine, certainly well enough to reach an airport safely.What is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?The old saying is for a multi-engine aircraft if you lose an engine the other engine will fly you to your crash site. Generally speaking for small light aircraft unless your aircraft is turbo charged, you will more than likely be better off owning a single engine airplane. When you get into light multi-engine aircraft the only real advantage is you will get to your destination faster. However, the cost of maintenance increases, you will spend more money on fuel, more money on training. To make a point when the FAA certifies light multi-engine aircraft, if an engine is lost/stops running, that aircraft is NOT required to maintain altitude. Now the engines of today are very reliable, as long as you maintain your aircraft as though your life and passengers depend upon it.What is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?
In a single engine plane you have no backup if the engine goes out or if there is engine trouble of any sort. That's why they are so cheap. With a multi-engine plane you have at least one extra engine that you can rely on in case something goes awry during flight.What is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?that's an easy question to answer because a multi engine airplane give you more power which is important when you are flying, it also can support more people, and it can flies faster than a single one.
Your cheapest bet would be to goto Wal-mart and buy a copy of Microsoft's Flight Simulator and then build your own plane out of cardboard scraps.What is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?
Definitely a contestant for "Question of the year"...lol
Why don't you learn how to fly first, then worry about what to buy.What is the difference between a single engine and a multi engine plane?
You need to do some fairly serious homework. How about learning to fly, first?
u must have good money if you are thinking to buy an airplane!
First the difference in the engines.

Single = 1 engine only Multi = 2 or more engines. Hence multi usually cost more as more framing, more wing and alsong with that usually more interior space. But do you have a license for multi engine aircraft?

Now you can travel across the country and beyond in a single engine provided you get one with large enough fuel capacity or one that allows for add on fuel capacity (wing tanks or second in body). Many manufacturers do offer different fuel capacity units.

Cost of fuel for the travel is one point where there are multiple factors. Engine type and size, size of aircraft, weight of aircraft and what are you carrying (more weight more fuel to move it), optimum height for operation (air requirement of engine), fuel consumption at optimum operational rpm etc. Storage depends really as many smaller aircraft are stored outside sitting on the tarmac near the hangers and use the hangers only for servicing (outdoor space costs less). Rates vary depending on airfield and proximity to city etc. Maintenance, well again the cost vary with engine and you'll have to review each engine option for the different aircraft you are looking at.



Now of course a multi engine will have higher maintenance costs for engine servicing as more engines. The multi is better for flying over mountains and oceans in so far as you have the extra engine if one dies thereby not making you ditch in the ocean. Note that if the plane is fully loaded with baggage and goodies you may have to jettison some to keep flying on one engine. Again looking into capabilities of multi flying with one instead of two engines, mfr can supply specs for what the engines will handle.



So basically go to the web sites for the aircraft you like and see what is being built and offered. Now go to a local airfield and talk to the mechanics and other pilots about the aircraft so as to learn some secrets about flight characteristics and service problems etc. Ask about costs and other things as different shops means different rates etc. Have fun exploring planes, btw go for a flight in a few different ones so you get a feel for them in the air. Some handle better than others and take this into consideration.