Brainstorming

Fly_Unity

Fly_Unity

Well-Known Member
I been trying to think of a way to fly a SE Turbine.

I live in a fairly rich town and even fly for a few people corporate in the own Cirrus's etc.

What about buying a TBM or Meridan, finding about 5 people to create a fractional company?

For example, each one would pay 300K to be part of this fractional, and about 25 K a year each for pilot services, hangar, Insurance etc, then pay a per hour for flight time.

Does anyone see any problem or potential hangups pursuing this path? Or do you know anyone that has done this before successfully?

I would have to create a portfolio packet to try and sell these five shares.
 
I've never done it but I can hook you up with a Meridian for a very, very good price :)

Alex.
 
CARAVAN! CARAVAN! CARAVAN! No seriously. Super awesome comfortable shortfield monstrosity that cruises at around 160KTAS. Not fast, but fast enough. Plus you can get in and out of some very cool places with the machine, and put it on floats in the summer. Its the best airplane I've ever flown, and I think it'd be a hit for a certain type of person (someone who wants to get out into the sticks and go camping, but could also enjoy a quick flight somewhere else).
 
What about a Quest Kodiak? I just read a pretty neat article about it in AOPA pilot magazine. Looks like a very capable aircraft. IIRC a brand new Kodiak runs between 1.6 and 1.7 million which compares favorably with the Cessna Caravans.
 
Your biggest problem will be scheduling. It would be hard to do this with only one airplane. The biggest complaint you will get with a Caravan/Kodiak is the unpressurized cabin.

Alex.
 
Apophis said:
What about a Quest Kodiak? I just read a pretty neat article about it in AOPA pilot magazine. Looks like a very capable aircraft. IIRC a brand new Kodiak runs between 1.6 and 1.7 million which compares favorably with the Cessna Caravans.
Click to expand...

It's not K-ICE as far as I know.
 
ppragman said:
It's not K-ICE as far as I know.
Click to expand...

Actually in a fairly recent development, new Kodiaks will have a FIKI certified TKS system as an option. Was browsing their website a few hours ago and noticed this in the news section. The headline was dated January 31, 2011 so this is pretty new, but a FIKI Kodiak would be pretty darn nice IMHO.
 
Apophis said:
Actually in a fairly recent development, new Kodiaks will have a FIKI certified TKS system as an option. Was browsing their website a few hours ago and noticed this in the news section. The headline was dated January 31, 2011 so this is pretty new, but a FIKI Kodiak would be pretty darn nice IMHO.
Click to expand...

As I remember as well, the Kodiak only weighs in at 7000lbs and change, way less than the van though, and if I remember right, has a bigger motor. It probably does way better in the ice.
 
ppragman said:
As I remember as well, the Kodiak only weighs in at 7000lbs and change, way less than the van though, and if I remember right, has a bigger motor. It probably does way better in the ice.
Click to expand...

You are correct, the Kodiak has a PT6A-34 rated at 750SHP vs the -114A in the Caravan rated at 675SHP. Add to that a smaller MTOW and it looks like a pretty capable plane. I woudn't mind owning one.
 
Careful with how many "owners" you have. I've heard that 5 or 6 is the most the FAA wants to see before you start flirting with a commercial operation.
 
You'd serve yourself and the owners better with a PC-12. You can pick up a /45 for a good bargain. Better speed, range and payload...and you can take it in anywhere!
 
Cheyenne said:
You tell me. I want to go to Tucson (non stop) with three of my golfing buddies. We'll stay 4 days so it will be me and three friends (and you), Golf bags and cloths bags.
Click to expand...

Wouldnt be a problem in a TBM

Just looked at a POH online
http://www.tbm850.com/IMG/pdf/PIM850GC.pdf (not sure if different models carry more or less weight)

Max gross weight, = 7400
Empty weight = 4700
Useful load = 2700 LBS

5 people X 180 = 900 LBS
750 NM / 310 TAS = 2.4 hours = .8 hour reserve = 3.2 hours
65 gph at FL260 X 3.2 hours = 1550 LBS of fuel (includes fuel to climb to FL 260)

We still have 350 LBS left over for baggage

A quick google search says a bag of golf clubs = 35 LBS X 4 = 140LBS
That gives 210 lbs left for everyones suitcase
According to Answers.com an average LARGE hard shell suitcase with clothes is 45 LBS X 4 = 180 LBS
that leaves 30 LBS for me :D

Lets go.

Anything further than TUS would have to have a Fuel stop, but 750 N miles of Range is pretty good with all that weight.
 
SoonerAv8r said:
You'd serve yourself and the owners better with a PC-12. You can pick up a /45 for a good bargain. Better speed, range and payload...and you can take it in anywhere!
Click to expand...

I didnt realize they were almost just as cheap as the TBM. You might got something there.
 
Fly_Unity said:
Wouldnt be a problem in a TBM

Just looked at a POH online
http://www.tbm850.com/IMG/pdf/PIM850GC.pdf (not sure if different models carry more or less weight)

Max gross weight, = 7400
Empty weight = 4700
Useful load = 2700 LBS

5 people X 180 = 900 LBS
750 NM / 310 TAS = 2.4 hours = .8 hour reserve = 3.2 hours
65 gph at FL260 X 3.2 hours = 1550 LBS of fuel (includes fuel to climb to FL 260)

We still have 350 LBS left over for baggage

A quick google search says a bag of golf clubs = 35 LBS X 4 = 140LBS
That gives 210 lbs left for everyones suitcase
According to Answers.com an average LARGE hard shell suitcase with clothes is 45 LBS X 4 = 180 LBS
that leaves 30 LBS for me :D

Lets go.

Anything further than TUS would have to have a Fuel stop, but 750 N miles of Range is pretty good with all that weight.
Click to expand...

Or you can get a caravan with a high gross weight increase:

9062 MGTOW
2224 Lbs of Fuel
5200 (empty weight pax config estimate, I figure it'd weigh in a little more than the freight one)
------
1538lbs = 6 people and 500lbs of there stuff, on shorter trips you can take 9 people and ALL of their stuff.

And that's at full fuel, so 2224lbs of fuel gives you somewhere around 6hrs of range depending on how you fly it, and whatnot. Which, at at 150KTAS (low ball if you climb up high) gives you a 900NM RBF (or Range before flameout).
 
The caravan seems like a great plane if you're going to stay within a 500 nm range for the majority of the flights. But it you're going to try and reach out and cover 1000 nm frequently the Pilatus is your bird. 260 KTAS > 160 KTAS
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top