It's tempting to think of it that way, but there are significant advantages to this configuration: low-power cruise in forward flight, longer maintenance interv

It's tempting to think of it that way, but there are significant advantages to this configuration: low-power cruise in forward flight, longer maintenance intervals, nearly silent drive system (not counting the props, obviously, but removing the noise generated by one or two turboshafts isn't a trivial difference). BTW for context re: maintenance, on a light aircraft such as a Cessna 172, you must conduct a 100 hour/annual inspection. This would be a deep inspection by automotive standards. This involves taking the cowling off and doing compression tests on each cylinder, for example.[1] The recommended engine Time Before Overhaul is 1800 hours I believe. Removing some of those costs would be a boon to a transport operation that requires high-uptime operation. [1] More complete list here: https://www.cessnaflyer.org/images/PDF/annual_inspection_checklist.pdf https://www.cessnaflyer.org/images/PDF/annual_inspection_che...