Aircraft considerations

Twin engine aircraft are used most often for airborne LiDAR remote sensing. Twin engine aircraft provide efficient operations for sensors up to 20,000 feet above sea level; they are equipped with power sources to handle a suite of modern sensors; they offer workspace and comfort to the pilot and camera operator; and the twin engines provide additional safety in the event a single engine should stall. Maintenance, operation, ferry and collection costs can be quite variable among different twin engine aircraft. For altitudes above 20,000 feet, performance (cost) is improved when using turboprop or jet aircraft instead of piston aircraft.