By all reports, they're not (with the exception of geared engines in 421s), but a 340 will fit into hangars and fly out of runways that the 4xxs can't.

By all reports, they're not (with the exception of geared engines in 421s), but a 340 will fit into hangars and fly out of runways that the 4xxs can't.

By all reports, they're not (with the exception of geared engines in 421s), but a 340 will fit into hangars and fly out of runways that the 4xxs can't.

A 75th percentile 340 will cost more than a 25th percentile 421. The major driver in whether a 340/414/421 will cost you relative to each other is luck.

Maybe a little luck? Mostly a very careful, intensive pre buy with someone who really knows were to look for all the secrets.

This is why a complete set of NO BS logs is very important. Buyers get too cheap or in a hurry on the pre buy and pay for their mistake.

Yeah but if you dot every i and cross every t on a 340 and 421, it’s still luck which engine throws a rod.

Ha!! Any engine can throw a rod. This is why you look at the engine logs carefully and see how the engine has been operated. A lot of sellers think if the cylinders have been removed, honed, have new rings and valves it’s a top OH.

That’s just a cylinder OH, a real top is when the Rod bearings are also done. There are lots of things to check on a pre buy to reduce risk. Can you reduce risk to zero, NO!!

i agree. So apple to apples (be they granny smith or red delicious) the difference in operating cost between a specific 340 and a specific 421 is mostly luck.

I'd always be more comfortable w a lot of luck.

To many issues pop up that wouldn't be caught otherwise.