You all were extremely helpful in providing training info for me in my other thread, so now another question has been asked of me. Apparently I've been deemed the aviation go-to guy since I know how to fly and apparently get answers for people.
I've been asked to look into what would be a good cabin class piston twin to purchase. The cabin class is a requirement due to the demands of those who will be flown around.
It seems like pretty much any cabin class will fit the potential mission criteria. Pressurization is a bonus, but probably not a requirement (this is part of the nature of my question). We'll need to have room for 6-8 people total. Personally, I think that having 7 seats total is probably about optimal, but we could live with 6 just fine. In this case, known ice is a requirement, not optional.
It seems to me the primary planes out there for consideration are:
- PA-31(P) series (Piper Navajos)
- Beech Duke
- Cessna 335/340/401/402/404/411/414/421
To give an idea of the standard mission and requirements I expect this plane to see:
- 2 people, probably with a bit of luggage
- Trip distance would probably be ~400 nm in general (regardless of people)
- Ability to go longer distances without stopping is beneficial for when longer trips are encountered
- Good speed with relative economy are always pluses
The pressurization is a bonus in this case because of the ability to climb higher. While not a bonus, I do see this plane going on IFR trips over areas where the MEA will be greater than 12,500 (or greater than 15,000, for that matter) and thus create a need for oxygen or pressurization.
If those of you with your collective knowlege would be so kind, I'd appreciate the following info:
- Expected purchase price for varying levels (needs some work but flyable, a "good runner", and top of the line)
- Expected pilot requirements for insurance
- General annual costs
- Fuel burn at what speed for both power cruise and economy cruise
- Any other information on weaknesses, considerations in purchase, etc., especially with regards to pressurization
Thanks in advance!
-Bob
I've been asked to look into what would be a good cabin class piston twin to purchase. The cabin class is a requirement due to the demands of those who will be flown around.
It seems like pretty much any cabin class will fit the potential mission criteria. Pressurization is a bonus, but probably not a requirement (this is part of the nature of my question). We'll need to have room for 6-8 people total. Personally, I think that having 7 seats total is probably about optimal, but we could live with 6 just fine. In this case, known ice is a requirement, not optional.
It seems to me the primary planes out there for consideration are:
- PA-31(P) series (Piper Navajos)
- Beech Duke
- Cessna 335/340/401/402/404/411/414/421
To give an idea of the standard mission and requirements I expect this plane to see:
- 2 people, probably with a bit of luggage
- Trip distance would probably be ~400 nm in general (regardless of people)
- Ability to go longer distances without stopping is beneficial for when longer trips are encountered
- Good speed with relative economy are always pluses
The pressurization is a bonus in this case because of the ability to climb higher. While not a bonus, I do see this plane going on IFR trips over areas where the MEA will be greater than 12,500 (or greater than 15,000, for that matter) and thus create a need for oxygen or pressurization.
If those of you with your collective knowlege would be so kind, I'd appreciate the following info:
- Expected purchase price for varying levels (needs some work but flyable, a "good runner", and top of the line)
- Expected pilot requirements for insurance
- General annual costs
- Fuel burn at what speed for both power cruise and economy cruise
- Any other information on weaknesses, considerations in purchase, etc., especially with regards to pressurization
Thanks in advance!
-Bob