Ultimate Turboprop

[Plunder Hound]

I have a friend who owns a business in the Midwest. She has numerous projects in OH, MI, AL, PA and MD. She has been leasing an aircraft for her people, but is interested in purchasing as they are using the AC everyday. She is interested in a TBM Socata 850, PC-12, King Air or J31/32. Just wondering what y'all think is the best turboprop for those distances to carry 3 to 4 people and bags. Thanks for your help.

 

[cheyflyer]

King Air B200-GT with the new -50 something engines if they can afford it. Or a KA 350.

 

[BoilerUP]

Hard to beat a King Air 200 for missions like that.

A C90 might do the job also, and have a slightly lower acquisition cost...obviously its a smaller cabin than the 200.

PC-12 should have lower fuel and maintenance costs than a KA200, but some people balk at the single engine and I think their acquisition costs are still pretty high.

TBM would, IMO, be too small for those kinds of missions with a single pilot, 4 passengers and bags.

 

[Say Again Over]

Lr 35

 

[kingairyahoo]

IMHO...the only 2 to consider from that list are the King Air and the PC12. If If operating costs are a concern, PC 12 all the way...this coming from a king air guy

P.S.

Lr 35

...last i checked...the Lr 35 had no turboprop on it

 

[Hugh Johnson]

B-200

 

[corpflunkie]

Piaggio

 

[Hawker800]

King Air 200 or 350. Both can reach all of the places you mentioned nonstop. Also should maintenance issues arise, and they will, a King Air service is easy to locate. These two guys are tried and true.

 

[BEfly]

Jetstar
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Unti...hoto_id_DESC_&prev_id=0874321&next_id=0756840

 

[Rick James]

Piaggio

Not unless you have a ton of extra cash laying around. The parts and service are $$$$$, ask me how I know.

 

[landlover]

Jetstar
http://www.airliners.net/photo/Unti...hoto_id_DESC_&prev_id=0874321&next_id=0756840

douglas dc-8

 

[Geronimo4497]

Corporate B-52.

 

[Birddog]

Shorts.

Or an MU2

 

[Bullitt]

We operate a PC-12 and a BE350. The PC-12 is a dependable airplane but nothing beats a King Air IMHO. The 350 is a great plane and very reliable. It is a blast to fly.

 

[Superpilot92]

A T R

 

[Goose Egg]

You could always go NASCAR style and go for the E-120.

Seriously though, I would think the King Air 200 would fit that role pretty well. I think PC-12s are great, but there's always that "warm fuzzy" factor with having the 2nd PT-6 out there.

-Goose

 

[pilotyip]

KA are pretty pricy, look at a TC-690 with -10 engines. Fast, low per mile cost, reasonable price.

 

[Swass]

I agree with yip, Turbo Commanders are sweet for the money. Would be a great fit.

If you can swing it a 441 would be a good fit also, albeit pricey.

 

[WabiSabi]

Merlin! and Garretts sound better than Pratts!

almost as fast a King Air 200, flys almost as far, half the price and looks much cooler

 

[Plunder Hound]

Thanks everybody. Seems like the KA is winning the vote. I'll look into the other options as well. I've flown J-32s but never a KA. I think she secretly wants to fly the plane someday, therefore the interest in the TBM. We'll see. Always more fun shopping with other peoples money.