What plane should the boss buy?
01-15-2011, 11:48 AM
#31
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2010
Position: Captain
Posts: 56
B200 will be inadequate for those trips with 8. I wouldn't want to fly over that terrain with a single engine airplane, even if it is a PC-12. If you were in the flatlands, I would say that the PC-12 would be a good choice. Yes the PW engine is very reliable, however there are instances of failure. I have a friend who lost his engine in the PC-12 over water and had to be rescued after ditching. He and PAX in the water a long time before rescue. However, the King Air 300 or 350 is the best option IMHO for your mission requirments. Older models can be acquired very reasonably in this market. Just my .02
01-15-2011, 12:10 PM
#32
The NeverEnding Story
Joined APC: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,618
You don't buy an airplane for your 20% mission, you buy it for your 80% mission.
The OP said "most flights" are 500nm with 4 passengers - VERY doable in a B200 and quite economical. Getting in and out of Sun Valley to and from Seattle is also very doable in a King Air with 4 pax & skis & coolers of fish, but not with 8 folks and a whole bunch of bags & skis & coolers.
Of course the B350 will do everything listed, but should the HMFIC expend more capital on acquisition and absorb higher operating costs simply to meet an occasional ski mission, especially if the ~$2M entry price floor for a 20 year old 350 might be a bit rich for a new operator?
The OP said "most flights" are 500nm with 4 passengers - VERY doable in a B200 and quite economical. Getting in and out of Sun Valley to and from Seattle is also very doable in a King Air with 4 pax & skis & coolers of fish, but not with 8 folks and a whole bunch of bags & skis & coolers.
Of course the B350 will do everything listed, but should the HMFIC expend more capital on acquisition and absorb higher operating costs simply to meet an occasional ski mission, especially if the ~$2M entry price floor for a 20 year old 350 might be a bit rich for a new operator?
01-16-2011, 02:00 AM
#35
Bus passenger
Joined APC: Dec 2010
Position: Bus passenger
Posts: 27
01-16-2011, 12:36 PM
#37
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2009
Position: A-320 FO
Posts: 693
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