We currently operate a 750XP that has been perfect for us beyond belief. The boss is getting the itch to upgrade. I would like input from folks that have flown both and how they compare. I am very interested in avionics comparison (I love pro line 21), Flight deck comfort comparison and realistic range WITHOUT extended periods over FL410 in the 680. Also, is the Sovereign's ride any better than the Excel? Any pure Sovereign info is welcome. I am very familiar with the Hawker.
My company used to have an 800XP, and we now have a Sovereign.
I've found the Honeywell avonics to be fine, contrary to many others. We do not have electronic charts, and I understand that those aircraft that have electronic charts have lots more problems than the ones without the electronic charts.
Even though the cockpit is more narrow than the Hawker, I find it to be more comfortable. The temperature is easily controlled within one degree, and the seats are better.
I flew a 5+01 leg the other day at FL390, and landed with 2,800 lbs of fuel. So, if you want to land with 2,000 lbs of fuel you could do 5+30, and if you want to land with 1,500 lbs of fuel, you could do about 5+50. If you climbed to FL410, you could exceed 6 hours and land with 45 minutes of fuel. 2,200 lbs hour 1, and 1,500 lbs thereafter is a good rule of thumb.
I haven't flown the Excel, so can't compare the rides in turbulence. The Sovereign isn't a great ride in bumps, but it helps to pull the power back a little.
Lmfao...so flying above 410 constitutes VERY dangerous operations (for a 450 airplane) in your world? Are you sure you aren't flying a king air?
The Sovereign is a FL470 airplane.
Thanks for the outstanding reply reply Willy. That is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Going to see the Sovereign at the Cessna plant while I am in recurrent next week.
How is the A/C up front? Hawker is the only plane I have yet to be hot up front in. Noise level? Thanks again!
Cabin temperature is right on, as selected, as mentioned above. Cockpit is very quiet, especially at the higher altitudes.
The big negative for the 680 was the need to pull it way back for LRC. 388kts according to Conklin. That and a cabin like the Excel. Disclaimer...I have no direct experience with the 680, just what the books told me when shopping.
No need for LRC for any flight that I have done. I did a 5+41 leg last week, and landed with 2,700 lbs of fuel. Max altitude was FL430.