Baron vs. Seneca

[mrnolmts]

Please explain to me how counter rotating props are safer?(to be continued)

Safer? Well, the blade going down creates more thrust than the blade going up because it "takes a bigger bite out of the air". So, the center of thrust is a bit to the right of the spinner. On a non-counter rotating twin, this means that the right engine center of thrust is further away from the longitudal axis than the left. So, losing the left engine has a slightly more adverse effect on performance than losing the right. In other words, you'll run out of rudder (to counter yaw) a little bit quicker with the left engine out, than you'll do with the right engine out. On counter rotating twins you eliminate this, which I guess can be viewed as safer.

 

[Grumman guy]

I would have to say that on a Seneca, seminole, and dutchess that both engines are critical

 

[mrnolmts]

I would have to say that on a Seneca, seminole, and dutchess that both engines are critical

No argument there... Cheers!

 

[EDUC8-or]

I'm a bigger fan of the Baron, I liked the flight characteristics much more than the Seneca. The Seneca takes a little more muscle in the flare, especially to get a greaser when you're light.

If I had some money to spend on a twin I would get an Aztec. I flew a couple that could take off with full fuel, 6 people, and packed to the gills with luggage with lbs. to spare before MAX T/O weight.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

Seneca = Flying schoolbus......or at best a 4x4 with bad tires and an alignment problem.

Baron = Mercedes

Now if you are talking about paying the bills.....well then you have to ask yourself how much driving that mercedes is worth?


After all, there is a reason you see more Schoolbusses and Trucks with bad tire out on the road than Mercedes!

 

[FN FAL]

I would think the fairer comparison would be to compare the Baron to the C-310.

And the Seneca to the Cessna Crusader.

 

[fokkers&beer]

I agree, if I have to fly a piper twin give me the Aztec.

 

[joe_pilot]

Commanches rule!


Ok, I'm kidding. But, If you need twin time and you can get it cheap......

 

[joe_pilot]

If you look at cost of ownership, this one beats 'em all.

 

[BigLebowski]

Joe Pilot...I might just hit you up on that beer in SLC. I heard the Caravan is a sweet plane to fly too.

As for Seneca vs. Baron...for a 200,000 less I'd get the Seneca.

 

[rubicon789]

Baron hands down. Someone mentioned that is sucked in ice... The baron will carry its weight in ice anyday. I can't see for the Seneca however never had it loaded up. As for performance the Baron crushes the Seneca, yes it's not turbo charged but who needs it anyway it still holds it's own at 10k and thats as high as you need to go in a piston anyway. The Baron is built like a truck and performs like a Ferreri. Single engine performance is awesome even fully loaded. So really there is no comparison except they are both twins and seat six.

 

[Grumman guy]

Big Lebowski,

Lay off the reefer and white russians.

Have you ever flown a Baron. I am just curious because I have never had anyone with any experience in the two A/C feel this way. I addressed the price difference in earlier posts and you can get comprable A/C for close to the same price, the Baron will be a little older but much better.

And yes the Van kicks ass.

 

[JimG]

Seneca...not as powerful, much more fuel efficient, TURBOCHARGED engines. The anti-ice and de-ice on the Seneca was incredible compared to the Baron. Single engine performance...no not as good but you can still hold 100 knots easy at 6000 ft. fully loaded.

Where joe pilot and I fly in/out of that won't even keep you off the flat land, let alone above the rocks in the clouds.



"I would think the fairer comparison would be to compare the Baron to the C-310."

While it's a closer comparison...the Barons are still higher priced than the 310's.

I was looking for one or the other when my 340 popped up for less money than an average priced T310R in less condition.

 

[mzaharis]

Sorry for interjecting so late, but I have a question. How do people feel about the unusual control arrangements on the older Barons ("flip-over" yoke or the double yokes on the stalk, the throttles mounted so high, avionics on the far right)? Does this bother people, or is it not a big deal?

 

[Grumman guy]

The Baron is such a stable, easy airplane to fly that it does not make a difference. I have often heard people complain about the throttles being in the middle of the column on older Barons. If this is an issue, you should not be flying a twin.