L-39 Driver
New Member
Hi all,
I need some experienced advice here. Over the next three (3) years (or so) I’ll be engaged in private aviation on a full-time basis getting up to speed on three (3) different aircraft: L-39ZO, SJ30-2 and some kind of “Light Twin”. The idea here will be to use the SJ30-2 for long-range missions at approximately 50% business and 50% personal allocation. The L-39 for pure personal fun about 75% and 25% business allocation (if that much). And, the Light Twin at about 35% business and 65% personal allocation.
The way my early numbers come out, the SJ30-2 will cover missions (% allocation) from about 750 nm up to intercontinental (maximum 3 fuel stops before destination), with the “Light Twin” working missions under 750 nm. The aircraft will be based in California, and many of the low-range missions will be within the western states. Therefore, I need a rock solid Twin.
Thus far, I have been taking inventory of the Beech Baron and the DA-42. I’m impressed with both, but for very different reasons. I like the DA-42’s composite structure, relative light Empty Weight, center mounted stick, full OEM-installed EFIS (G-1000) suite, relative range and overall ease of use. But, I don’t like the MTOW, overall cabin size, very weak power-plants, and overall speed performance (climb and cruise). Regarding the Baron, I like the proven history, relative empty weight, relative MTOW (as compared to the DA-42), overall cabin space, ease of use, awesome range and the ability to upgrade the avionics to full-EFIS standards. But, I don’t like the speed performance (climb and cruise) and the lack of FADEC.
What can you guys tell me about both of these aircraft, given the way I intend to used them (up to 750 nm on both business and personal) and would you feel confident in putting your family member(s) in each one of these aircraft? Both, the business and personal mission profiles could include 24 hour day trips, or extended trips of up to 2 weeks away from home base. Each will be in a hanger at base, but extended trips will most likely include tie-downs. I know nothing about either of these aircraft on any real experiential level – just what I’ve been able to read thus far. My next step will be doing some practical flights in both.
The King Air 90 seems to be on the outside edge of my discovery process as well. I just think it is too much aircraft for missions under 750 nm and not enough aircraft to replace the SJ30-2 choice. There just is not much out there that can rival the performance of the SJ30-2 in its class (if there is anything in the same class at all). So, if you see (I don’t) a King Air 90 being a good replacement for the Baron, then make that case as well. It will be a hard case to make as far as I can see, but right now, I’m open to hearing what any pilots with experience in these three aircraft (Baron, DA-42 or King Air 90) have to say.
Engine Modifications (viablility)?:
I'm wondering if either super-charging or turbo-charging the engines on the Baron is viable (has it been done yet)? Also, switching the engine control system to FADEC during such an upgrade would be ideal, as far as I can tell. Not sure, what engine upgrades would be viable with the DA-42's diesel power-plants, however. Any ideas on adding more power to both for better speed performance in the areas of climb and cruise? These are just two that come to my mind.
Thanks a bunch for the help!
I need some experienced advice here. Over the next three (3) years (or so) I’ll be engaged in private aviation on a full-time basis getting up to speed on three (3) different aircraft: L-39ZO, SJ30-2 and some kind of “Light Twin”. The idea here will be to use the SJ30-2 for long-range missions at approximately 50% business and 50% personal allocation. The L-39 for pure personal fun about 75% and 25% business allocation (if that much). And, the Light Twin at about 35% business and 65% personal allocation.
The way my early numbers come out, the SJ30-2 will cover missions (% allocation) from about 750 nm up to intercontinental (maximum 3 fuel stops before destination), with the “Light Twin” working missions under 750 nm. The aircraft will be based in California, and many of the low-range missions will be within the western states. Therefore, I need a rock solid Twin.
Thus far, I have been taking inventory of the Beech Baron and the DA-42. I’m impressed with both, but for very different reasons. I like the DA-42’s composite structure, relative light Empty Weight, center mounted stick, full OEM-installed EFIS (G-1000) suite, relative range and overall ease of use. But, I don’t like the MTOW, overall cabin size, very weak power-plants, and overall speed performance (climb and cruise). Regarding the Baron, I like the proven history, relative empty weight, relative MTOW (as compared to the DA-42), overall cabin space, ease of use, awesome range and the ability to upgrade the avionics to full-EFIS standards. But, I don’t like the speed performance (climb and cruise) and the lack of FADEC.
What can you guys tell me about both of these aircraft, given the way I intend to used them (up to 750 nm on both business and personal) and would you feel confident in putting your family member(s) in each one of these aircraft? Both, the business and personal mission profiles could include 24 hour day trips, or extended trips of up to 2 weeks away from home base. Each will be in a hanger at base, but extended trips will most likely include tie-downs. I know nothing about either of these aircraft on any real experiential level – just what I’ve been able to read thus far. My next step will be doing some practical flights in both.
The King Air 90 seems to be on the outside edge of my discovery process as well. I just think it is too much aircraft for missions under 750 nm and not enough aircraft to replace the SJ30-2 choice. There just is not much out there that can rival the performance of the SJ30-2 in its class (if there is anything in the same class at all). So, if you see (I don’t) a King Air 90 being a good replacement for the Baron, then make that case as well. It will be a hard case to make as far as I can see, but right now, I’m open to hearing what any pilots with experience in these three aircraft (Baron, DA-42 or King Air 90) have to say.
Engine Modifications (viablility)?:
I'm wondering if either super-charging or turbo-charging the engines on the Baron is viable (has it been done yet)? Also, switching the engine control system to FADEC during such an upgrade would be ideal, as far as I can tell. Not sure, what engine upgrades would be viable with the DA-42's diesel power-plants, however. Any ideas on adding more power to both for better speed performance in the areas of climb and cruise? These are just two that come to my mind.
Thanks a bunch for the help!
. Are you talking about one leg or altogether? Altogether I do 900 a night, but breaks are inbetween.