1900luxuryliner

It's just my belief that it is a proper role of government, to create the "roads", metaphorically speaking, which actually lead to growth of business and privatization. This is the whole idea between the governent being involved with the building of roads, bridges, airports, ILS systems, GPS sattellite systems, etc. This has actually increased business and privatization, exponentially, over what would have happened, had the governent not taken a role in these activities. I don't think this is out of synch with the original spirit of the constitution, which was intended to prevent the rise of a despotic, dictator led system, which controls every aspect of our lives. I believe we were closer to this, in the last 8 years, than I've ever seen out of any previous or current regime; and from someone who actually championed the idea of a "limited government role". I think we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one. It's one of those things we aren't going to solve, because of the "belief" realm we are operating in. We could also talk about abortion, Ford vs Chevy, the existence of God, etc., but we would end up at the same place everytime, which is nowhere. Hope I fly with ya at some point. We'd have a great debate over this stuff, but at this point, we are probably not entertaining too many people (especially the mods), on this forum.

Luv2Rotate

PC12's would be a good pick for EAS followed closely by the Caravan. Both have boots so icing shuoldnt be a big problem. PC12's can go higher and faster than the van but i believe the operating costs on the van is a fraction of the cost. C402's are aging and I was under the impression that Cape Air was looking to find a replacement for their fleet?

travelnate

The only problem with the PC-12's are the costs are damn close to that of a 19 seater!

FL450

Not sure the operating cost of the pc-12 however the ticket prices would be the same as cape airs so the operating cost can't be that closely matched. Also although the 12 and the 1900 have practically the same engine pt6a-67 1900's have two versus the twelve has one engine and a lot better range and fuel burn. Once again IMHO

Copperhed51

Ford because I'm against the government subsidization of GM.

Nah, you're right, we're not gonna get anywhere.

As far as a PC12 goes, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be doing single engine ops anymore. I've seen a 1900 with a failed PT6 but since it had another one, all was well. Single engine airplanes give me the heebie jeebies...but I guess maybe I'm kind of a pansy.

Luv2Rotate

Have you seen the glide ratio for the PC12??? IT's something crazy like 11:1. I do see your point though but remember two engines equals 2x amount of fuel. EAS should find the most efficient means of transporting it's passengers.... The PT6 in any airplane PC12 or Caravan has an awesome reputation and I'd take a PT6 over a C402 anyday of the week. IMHO

Blkflyer

Ill take a ONE PT6 anyday over 2 IO550s

yamag7d8

so does anyone know if lakes stopped their st louis operations?

Copperhed51

Not yet. Last rumor I heard is Lakes will be out of there mid-November. Cape Air has been conducting interviews with ground crews at all the STL stations in the past week so they are preparing to take over.

par8head

Cape has 59 C402-C's as of today, 1 more pending purchase and have plans to acquire up to 68 total. They have entered into a program where they strip down the airplane to parts essentially, inspect, repair, replace, then rebuild where the airframes come out of the shop they are essentially new planes. They are equipped with de-ice boots, props, windshield, probes, etc. The flying in the northeast sees quite bad icing, and tons of snow in the northern New York areas. Most passengers actually enjoy riding on the 402, I think it has to do with the large windows, maybe it is the adventure part of it, who knows...Cape Air has had great success with EAS flying because they are able to do 6 round trips a day for a fraction of the price of a 1900 doing 2-3 round trips a day. (which offers more seats per day as well) Also for instance with the bid in STL ticket prices on Cape will be $50 where GLA is charging something like $200. With EAS flying currently done ridership has increased in most cities due to the lower costs to passengers and higher frequency offered.