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Seems like engine programs (at least on Williams engines) are normal in the jet world, but virtually non existent in the turbo prop world.
Depends.
On older jets, rare to see engine programs. The JT15D Citations, for example.
On the newer jets, much more common. On Williams, they basically force it by monopolistic pricing of off program maintenance. Yet you can find FJ44s off program, but they get punished in the resale market by the cost of putting them back on program.
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I've seen a couple of King Air listings that talk about JSSI, but it seems to be very rare (at least from pursuing Controller).
I agree.
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Why aren't engine programs more common in the PT-6 / Garrett worlds?
Several factors. It is really more of a new versus old than jet versus turboprop.
When the older airplanes were introduced, engine programs were not available, not a common thing. So the planes all started out without them. Once you don't have one, you face a lump sum to get on one, so that's a barrier to acceptance. The newer airplanes got marketed with engine programs from day one, often with discounts on early hours, so far more owners opted in and once in, you tend to stay in since your paid in equity gets lost otherwise.
Further, the older airplanes are older and less costly, so the owners are typically being more economical. Engine programs are more expensive in the long run. In some cases, these owners don't fly enough to meet the program minimum hours (Williams is 150 hours/year, that's a lot of miles on a CJ), so the programs are not a fit.
Lastly, the supply of used engines for older airplanes is much higher. You can find JT15D and TPE331 engines out there every day of the week. This comes from some airframes being retired from wear and tear or other events (like accident or loss). The supply of used engines mean you have an escape plan if you have to replace a totally trashed engine.
As an owner of two TPE331 engines, I am not going to be on a program. I am comfortable with what unscheduled engine work may cost, I am comfortable that I am quite far from a scheduled event, I am comfortable with the market deciding what my engines are worth when I sell. If I have a FOD event, my insurance covers that ($0 deductible no less), and at worst, I have to find a used engine and I can do that.
If I buy a legacy Citation with a JT15D, I won't be on program. If I buy a plane with an FJ44, I will be on the program. That just the way it is.
I would expect turboprops sold in the last 15 years to have a much higher rate of engine programs.
Mike C.