Best aircraft for $14 million?

[Bullitt]

Hi guys,

I've searched the archives extensively but I wanted to get some new info from the experienced guys. The boss is looking to move up from a Hawker 700. The budget he set is 14 million. Right now we are based in DTO with a 6000 ft rwy and summertime temps of 34C+ and the elev at 640msl. Typical trips are DTO-MMU-DTO and DTO-SMF-DTO with 5 people and bags. He has expressed a strong desire in a new G150. The G150 has some strong points but it looks to be a bit of a runway hog considering where we are based. I like the numbers on the Sovereign, but I think the asking price would be a little outside our budget. Based on the info above, what are some good suggestions on aircraft that would fit our mission profile? Thanks in advance guys!

 

[Ernest T. Bass]

You're not going to touch a Sovereign in this market for $14mm. A 601-3Aer might be a good choice, but I would need to know more about your missoion. If you're serious about buying an airplane, PM me and I can run some numbers for you.

The G-150 is a has been.....I can back this statement up based upon a meeting with Brian Moss. One of the problems is that if the crap hits the fan in Israel (which it's going to do), most parts are going to be unavailable.

 

[deadstick]

Isn't the G200 built over there, too?

Another thing to look at is how long has he been in the Hawker, and the company growth forecast over the next 5 years. You don't want to buy a plane that will work now, but not in 2 years. The Sovereign is a very impressive aircraft with good support.

 

[ultrarunner]

Falcon 50EX!

 

[Hawker800]

Run the numbers for a new Hawker 850XP. It is in the price range you are looking at. It does have better preformance than your 700. Good luck.

 

[learflyer]

Run the numbers for a new Hawker 850XP. It is in the price range you are looking at. It does have better preformance than your 700. Good luck.

ditto!

 

[Bullitt]

Hey guys I really appreciate all the quick replies! Good suggestions, keep em coming

 

[Tgaug6300]

Perhaps the Citation XLS

Elevation=1000ft
Temp= 35c
Weight= 20,200lbs (MTOW)
Flaps=15
Take off field length= 4,650ft

 

[sleepy]

Just sold a Sovereign (one year old with 500 hours for $15.5 Million). Nice aircraft. I looked at a G-150 the other day on the ramp. It has rubber deice boots that are painted silver to look like it has a real hot wing. LOL! Get the Hawker 850XP if that is all you can afford (TKS is better than de-ice boots on a jet). The Sovereign would be better because it has a large baggage compartment (un-pressurized but heated), but you can't afford a used one on that budget.

 

[Bandit60]

How about the new Hawker900xp. This aircraft is the same as the 850xp but with bigger engines and better numbers than the 850xp. I believe it is in the same price range that you are looking at. Better range and will climb straight to 410 at max gross weight with no problem.

 

[CDogg]

Falcon 50EX!

That's what I was thinking... Great short field capabilities, can load it up and go. Nice and roomy for 5 people and bags, and doesn't have those funky lookin' yokes

..oh and don't have to worry about TKS... nasty stuff

 

[Bullitt]

Run the numbers for a new Hawker 850XP. It is in the price range you are looking at. It does have better preformance than your 700. Good luck.

Your right, the numbers on the 850XP are better and it does fall into the price range (better looking too). I haven't seen too much on the 900XP but I will look into it. Thanks Bandit and Hawker800.

 

[Bullitt]

Just sold a Sovereign (one year old with 500 hours for $15.5 Million). Nice aircraft. I looked at a G-150 the other day on the ramp. It has rubber deice boots that are painted silver to look like it has a real hot wing. LOL! Get the Hawker 850XP if that is all you can afford (TKS is better than de-ice boots on a jet). The Sovereign would be better because it has a large baggage compartment (un-pressurized but heated), but you can't afford a used one on that budget.

Yeah, I think I can kiss the Sovereign goodbye. The greater baggage space would be awesome but $15.5 million for a used one is just too pricey unfortunately . I agree about the boots. I have never flown an Astra/G100/G150 aircraft but from what I've read on FI the boots aren't much of a problem. I guess I'm a little skeptical though. Thanks for the input!

 

[Bullitt]

That's what I was thinking... Great short field capabilities, can load it up and go. Nice and roomy for 5 people and bags, and doesn't have those funky lookin' yokes

..oh and don't have to worry about TKS... nasty stuff

LOL, I know what you mean about the yokes. I love the numbers on the Falcon 50EX and everybody I've talked to raves about the aircraft. I was under the impression though that the 50EX would be out of our price range. Are the used ones selling for around $14mil? What about operating costs on the 50EX? I've read on some aviation sites that the DOC is around $2500 per hour, is that accurate? The boss is getting tired of the Hawker 700 mx issues. It's built like a tank but the older it gets the more it loves the mx hangar. That is a big reason why he is looking to upgrade. That and the business is exploding and he is looking at maybe doing some international stuff in the future. Thanks!

 

[Avalanche]

Learjet 45?

 

[MASH4077]

I'd look at the 850XP or the Falcon 50. Boss is looking to do international perhaps? Depending on what he considers international, the Hawker may not be the best. We have two hawker 800A's and take them worldwide. It's good for air ambulance, but may not be pleasant for execs traveling the world.

 

[sleepy]

Maybe the straight 50 with the avionics and engine upgrade?

 

[CDogg]

Maybe the straight 50 with the avionics and engine upgrade?

Ya, there are a few straight 50's out there with the proline 21 package in them that I have seen in a few of the usual magazines... or maybe I was looking at something else. Even without the Proline package, you can get a really nice straight 50 for far less than 14mil, and it will outperform any Lear, or Hawker from a short stip on a hot day with a full load going 3-4 hours.

 

[Bullitt]

Good Point. Reading the FI archives it looks like a straight 50 with the proline and the engine upgrade is a helluva an airplane for a price far less than a 50EX. We are still in the research phase but you guys have given me a lot of good ideas to look into. I really appreciate all the input. I've got a lot of work to do

 

[Rxflyer]

I imagine the boss would like the "ramp presence" of a Falcon 50, as well ! Great-looking aircraft.