Jon,

You are spot on in your reply to Hector. Anytime one does something that is not in the AFM or POH he becomes a Test Pilot and without a Martin-Baker Ejection Seat or equivelent, I would say that is the worst job on the planet....not good for blood pressure, bowel habits or longevity, in ascending order!

Regarding singles, twins or whatever, the most important thing here is performance. You need an airplane that will do what you need it to do while keeping you in your personal comfort zone.....that's why the 182 is so popular. Easy to fly, adequate power and fairly roomy. Those of us on the Left Coast, where we have mountains, not hills, might want to add turbo-charger (s) and the like if we ever intend to play in the mountains. With multi-engine airplanes it is an imperative to look at single engine performance and ceilings.......the old Apache as I recall, had a single engine service ceiling of about 3500', no bueno if you are over the rock pile (rockies) at 13000' and shed an engine. I guess its really about trade off's and compromise.

In any event, those out there with airplanes, enjoy them....there as much fun, maybe more fun than the busses. Remember know your airplane, know your airplanes limitations and most importantly know your own limitations....and thank gawd you don't own a fling wing (that outta start something)

Standing down from Soap Box in Hyde Park...

John