Posted for "Tom Hall" <tomhall@starband.net>:

I think that many are overly consumed with the fuel flow issue with regard
to the turbine. If we look at the actual fuel flow figures (I would suggest
Lancair's experience), the turbine application has an easy 3 hour range with
reserves. As someone pointed out, if we take into account every possible ATC
delay and procedure, that may shorter, but I would suggest that "we" as GA
pilots might more carefully choose our departure and aarival airports to
aviod these "traps". Additionally, low altitude fuel burn is not a major
issue. Power reduction serves the same purpose as altitude and cruising at
at almost any altitude is not prohibitively fuel costly. I have personally
flown and tested these observations in the IV-PT. Additional fuel capacity
is also available if the above is not compelling enough. Even with standard
fuel, the turbine is capable of VFR ranges of over 1000 NM. Both the piston
and turbine a/c are great transportation and each has it's own niche due to
the various strengths and weaknesses ( as do all a/c). Asserting that the
turbine is merely a toy is rather illogical.

Tom H.