Hi everyone,

Let me throw my 2 cents worth in here. I own five RAM turbines of all shapes and sizes, air, electric, remote start and X series, so I am pretty familiar with their products. Reading through the various posts one should appreciate the differences that exist among different turbines. Air start turbines cannot be compared in complexity to the remote start versions. Simply stated, the remote start process requires vastly more installed equipment which from time to time can malfunction. I respect the opinions of the members posting responses here but to state that the old starter is a design flaw is incorrect. The new starter is just an improvement over the previous design. I have two turbines that utilize the "old style" starter and they work well with no problems so far with 75 plus flights. The new starter allows the end user to replace the internal components which really cuts down on the cost of maintenance. My personal feeling is that if you upgrade your starter to the new one and you purchased you turbine within the last 12 months, you should at least be given a discount on the new system. Before we become too judgmental, I replaced my retracts on a BVM Mig 15 to the new ones produced and paid full price for the new set. How much do you guys think I would have to pay to replace the nose gear unit on my Bandit (old style) to the new single piece one?????? Anyone want to say FULL price..

My best advice is to anyone looking to get into turbines is to learn and understand how turbines operate. If you already own one learn it inside and out. The better educated you are the more successfully you will be. I agree with Gordon, I would like to see several manufacturer stay in the market, this will keep them on their toes.

GeorgeR.

Ps, I don't know of any other 500 size turbines flying at the moment, but I am sure when they do they will have their share of teething problems.