Which plane would you pick

[mrivc211]

I'm buying a 135 certificate for single pilot ops for less than 9 passengers. I have been doing my homework on which plane to use for the operation and need some outside opinion. We all have our "favorites" because they look cool, but I need to make a smart decision on this based on the typical factors, fuel burn, useful load, speed, mx costs, how well the plane holds its value etc. The plane will primarily be used for flights of 400NM or less with typically 1-2 passengers. Occasionally might be a third. My purchasing budget is $1,000,000. I have been using a SR22T but with a cruise speed of only 180 knots, it becomes a long trek to go SNA-RNO with a slight headwind making it a 2hr 20 min flight. I'd like to buy something that has already taken a hit on depreciation. Nothing new.

Suggestions? Keep in mind, we don't get much weather in Socal and the airplane really won't be venturing out further than a 400NM radius from here so other than light rain or clouds, we won't be going when the weather is bad(hence I don't need a plane capable of it when I won't be using its capabilities).

 

[SrFnFly227]

What plane is on the certificate right now? Are you looking Single or Multi Engine? Recip or Turbine? Prop or Jet? Those answers would help narrow it down, but I'd say you'd be happy with a 400 series Cessna, TBM, Older Pilatus, or King Air 90.

 

[NickH]

Older TBM 700.

 

[mrivc211]

What plane is on the certificate right now? Are you looking Single or Multi Engine? Recip or Turbine? Prop or Jet? Those answers would help narrow it down, but I'd say you'd be happy with a 400 series Cessna, TBM, Older Pilatus, or King Air 90.

Single engine piston currently and approved for TPs. There's a big jump between a 400 and an older Tbm. I'm leaning towards 400 to start

 

[milleR]

http://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/1385421/1977-mitsubishi-mu-2p

Almost 2000 hours until hots and 4400 until TBO
Seven years on the props
290 kts cruise speed at 80 to 90 gallons per hour
Over 2000 pounds of payload with three hours worth of fuel
Some of the best factory support in the industry

 

[MNFlyboy]

King Air 90 would be a great, reliable, well supported, proven charter aircraft. Especially for the range you talk about. I wold also recommend the Caravan, preferably with an engine mod. A Blackhawk converted short Caravan with no pod could do 175-185 in cruise at 60gph. The TKS systems on these are great, and Caravans hold their value well.

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search...NG+AIR+C90&listing_id=2157520&s-type=aircraft

 

[z987k]

I would love to see how you can keep a 135 operation in the black by only flying on nice weather days.

 

[BEEF SUPREME]

Piper Lance.

 

[av8tr1]

I would love to see how you can keep a 135 operation in the black by only flying on nice weather days.

Aren't most of the Bethel ops VFR only? Not that any of them are more than one foot away from bankruptcy every year.

 

[z987k]

Aren't most of the Bethel ops VFR only? Not that any of them are more than one foot away from bankruptcy every year.

Yes, but to say they only go flying on nice days is about the least accurate thing you could say about them. And with their accident rate, I'm not sure that's an example to emulate.

 

[av8tr1]

Yes, but to say they only go flying on nice days is about the least accurate thing you could say about them. And with their accident rate, I'm not sure that's an example to emulate.

Eh...200 and 1 mile....as long as you are going west it's VFRish....

 

[Roger Roger]

Eh...200 and 1 mile....as long as you are going west it's VFRish....

TBH I think it's mostly just Yute that does that anymore. Hagey is mostly IFR in the vans and I hear their sleds spend a lot of time sitting out weather when the vans are going. As it should be.

 

[Cessnaflyer]

King air 90.

 

[Mountain Man]

http://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/1385421/1977-mitsubishi-mu-2p

Almost 2000 hours until hots and 4400 until TBO
Seven years on the props
290 kts cruise speed at 80 to 90 gallons per hour
Over 2000 pounds of payload with three hours worth of fuel
Some of the best factory support in the industry

Please, no. Many ears will thank you.

 

[milleR]

Please, no. Many ears will thank you.

It's good for you, builds character

 

[Flying Saluki]

I have no advice for you, but I do have a question. How does one go about doing what you are doing? How did you get started?

 

[z987k]

I have no advice for you, but I do have a question. How does one go about doing what you are doing? How did you get started?

You have some time or money to throw away.
Either works.

 

[Stone Cold]

You have some time or money to throw away.
Either works.

Both. Must have both.

 

[pwttogfk]

I'd second the vote for a 208. Doesn't have the speed but in terms of payload/fuel burn balance it's awesome.

 

[AAPalmTree]

It's good for you, builds character

Also builds grey hair. I believe you've lost your mind on this one!