Comparison of KA 90 series airplanes Vs. MU 2 or others

hook_dupin said:
If you think the business model is risky, why not lease a KA to start? That way, you can prove out the business without having to sink $1.5M into what is essentially one more capital cost. After a couple of years, you can then look to buy merely as a means to make the operation more cost-effective.
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We'll be chartering for a month or so while this gets up and going. I'm confident this will work it just may take a year or so to fully ramp up to the point we can pencil something really nice - like a big KA or something.

Thanks for all the great replies and welcome Beep.
 
inigo88 said:
So the MU-2 is a mess AND any Garretts in general are bad? Are you trying to get Boris to challenge you to a fight to the death or something? :D
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Woah now.. I just described the Garrett on a KA airframe to be pretty good and have a lower operating cost than the PT-6.
 
I flew some substitute work that was similar to this for a buddy of mine. He flew around a forensic pathologist doctor and his team to various rural counties to assist coroners with hard to solve cases. They started with a Archer, eventually moved to a C310. Usually 2-3 pax and pilot. Missions were typically 100-250nm with some 400nm. Looked like it would work well, but it ended up being mismanaged. I think they no longer have a plane.
 
I will add that in the future it would be really great to have a cargo door and the ability to carry a 600lb Ultrasound machine. I'm thinking I could eventually steer this to a Beech 18 conversation...getting excited.
 
WacoFan said:
something really nice - like a big KA or something.
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Judas.

WacoFan said:
I will add that in the future it would be really great to have a cargo door and the ability to carry a 600lb Ultrasound machine. I'm thinking I could eventually steer this to a Beech 18 conversation...getting excited.
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The Pilatus sounds better and better. Plus it's every bit the blue chip investment a KA is, but doesn't just totally suck.
 
WacoFan said:
I will add that in the future it would be really great to have a cargo door and the ability to carry a 600lb Ultrasound machine. I'm thinking I could eventually steer this to a Beech 18 conversation...getting excited.
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The metro has a big cargo door!
 
BTpilot said:
Woah now.. I just described the Garrett on a KA airframe to be pretty good and have a lower operating cost than the PT-6.
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Doh! Sorry for the failure in reading comprehension. ;)

Edit: +1 for the Beech 18, if you can convince the Doctors...
 
Boris Badenov said:
Properly maintained (by people who specialize in them, not Mitch Mechanic in the corner hanger), MU-2s have excellent reliability. Anyone who thinks they're a "mess" probably hasn't flown one. Carrying three people, you don't need a sewertube or even a Merlin...you don't even need a longbody Mitsi. And the shortbodies are stupid fast...you're CERTAINLY going to notice the difference between a Solitaire and a KingAir 90, even over only 300 miles. One trues what, MAYBE 240? The Solitaire is around 315. If that's not enough, it'll cost about half as much and, considering the speed advantage, will burn about the same fuel per leg. You can stop it in 500ft and under 91 easily get out in 2000ft.

I will admit that from what I've seen so far, the Pilatus is a contender. It's not as fast as a Mitsi, especially down low, but field performance is even better, it carries more in a better cabin, and it burns less fuel. But A) Only one spinny thing and B) Cost of acquisition is extremely high.

If you buy a King Air, I'm going to kick you after I drink you under the table.

Then murder you in your sleep.
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As a former MU2 Marquis and J model pilot myself I completely agree with what Boris is saying. The required annual pilot training is something to look into but honestly, if a pilot is flying big business guys around in a King Air, they will probably be getting checked annually too for insurance reasons. If you have questions on the Mitts or come to wanting to buy one I would get in contact with Reece Howell at MQY in Smyrna, TN. He has more MU-2 time than any other pilot on earth, is one of a handful of people in the country who can train in them and is a great guy and friend. He deals the aircraft too. PM me if you want his number or email. He can answer any question you have about the Mitts, King Airs, Lears, hell with the over 30,000 hours he has and all the types and ratings he's got, he could answer a question about anything, and if not putyou in touch with the right person.
 
Boris Badenov said:
Understood. In that case I'll go with KLB and vote for a Merlin. As I understand it it's around the same speed as a longbody mitsi with perhaps slightly more room inside. No idea on the field performance numbers, but just looking at it, I'd guess it's not exactly a Husky. That may not matter to you, though. At least it's still got REAL engines that they put in the RIGHT DIRECTION.
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lol No kidding.

Boris Badenov said:
PT6 is the only engine I've ever had fail on me in flight. What are the odds of THAT, do you reckon?
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My only failure in a turbine wasn't a PT6 but it was a Pratt product. Never had a problem with a Garrett
 
WacoFan said:
None of these guys fly. Shuttling doctors to rural hospitals is the mission. Pro will fly it if we do this. Single would be great but the Malibu's, TBM 700's (my personal choice for the single turbine) and Pilatypus are all close to a million bucks. You can get a clapped out 90 KA for cheaper. As with anything (except for cool airplanes)I'm looking at this from my lens of "cost containment" but I have to factor in the Dr's - comfort both physically and piece of mind.
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Go with the TBM. I manage two of them now and they are great machines. The PC-12 (also in my fleet) is ok, but probably more airplane than you need.

Michael
 
Hey bitches! I've changed my mind - can no longer stand the original premise of this thread. Rather than a new thread, let's change gears:

Lockheed Lodestar vs. Beech 18: GO!!!!
 
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