What makes single engine planes so different than other planes?

Question

Also, are those the most popular planes driven by amature pilots? I would like to learn all I can about single engine planes.

Answer 1

>>  What makes single engine planes so different than other planes?

Nothing but one engine.  It is simplest airplane to learn to fly.

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>> are those the most popular planes driven by amature pilots?

They are flown not driven. And yes, some are. Some are flown by experience pilots to train other new pilots.

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See this article.  It is NOT about single engine airplane.  It is about being a pilot, but you might find it good reading.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/pilot.h...

Good luck...

Answer 2

As a generalization, single engine planes tend to be smaller, simpler, and more economical to operate and service than their multiengine counterparts.  The economical advantages, however, generally come at a price in poorer performance and lack of redundancy.  Redundancy is always a good thing in aviation...if one critical system (such as an engine) fails, it's nice to have another one to increase your options of getting down safely.  

Besides the lack of redundant engines, many smaller single engine propeller-driven planes also lack other redundant systems that most multiengine aircraft have, such as backup electrical systems, gyroscopic/vacuum systems, hydraulic systems, pitot-static systems, redundant avionics, computers, and so on.  Many modern passenger airliners have triple-redundant systems (even quadruple-redundant, in some cases) for several orders of backup in the event that the p**p hits the fan.

Small, single piston engine airplanes (typically referred to as "general aviation" planes) are overwhelmingly the most popular aircraft flown by non-professional pilots, primarily because of their relatively low upkeep and operating costs, and overall simplicity of operation.

Answer 3

They usually cost less than a half million dollars.  For that reason alone, they're more popular with amateur pilots.

Answer 4

Single engine light aircraft outnumber airliners by about three to one.  They are by far the most common class of aircraft.  So it's really the other way around:  it's the larger airplanes that are "different."

But of course each type has its own characteristics and purposes.  Single engine airplanes are used for training, personal travel, charter, pipeline/power line patrol, advertising, and many other uses.

A couple of words to the wise:  A Private Pilot is highly trained, and most are very conscientious and safety minded.  Please don't call them "amateur" to their face.  It's an insult in some places.

Also, pilots speak of an airplane being "flown," and would never say "driven."

Now, try an internet search on "single engine airplane."  You will get all the information you can possibly use.