Beech 400A

[noserider]

We are looking to acquire a 400A and wanted to get some opinions, likes, dislikes, serial numbers to avoid, other planes that are comparable in price and performance? Thanks.

 

[skanza]

RK-300 and up should be fine depending on how it was maintained (like any aircraft). Nice avionics package-comparable to "heavy" airplanes and reasonable payload for its size. The weak links I think are the H-stab de-icing system (electrical and prone to failure) and the freon air conditioning-doesn't cool that well. Otherwise, its a nice fast alternative to a cramped Lear (cockpit and cabin).

 

[guido411]

Pros- cabin (for small jet), speed (for small jet)

Cons- range, baggage, contaminated runway performance, high/hot/heavy performance

Aviod- anything with Collins 850, anything with a history of h-stab deice problems

Comparisons- CE550 (smaller cabin, slower, more range, more baggage, better runway numbers), CE525 (smaller cabin, slower, better runway numbers, cheaper) LJ31/35 (slightly smaller cabin, lots smaller cockpit, lots faster, [similar runway numbers from what I know])

Depends a lot on what your price point is...

 

[T-1GUY]

Please don't forget lack of single point refuel, no electric heat, electric a/c that sucks, 2nd second climb performance that will get you no where on a hot summer day....

Ask away with the questions, I have flown every model, been an examiner in them for 8 years, teach CAE ground school, Sims, US Air Force pilots, 5,000+ hours with the curve in my back to prove it

 

[boeing72]

We have Rk-2 , breaks everyday!

 

[BoilerUP]

We have Rk-2 , breaks everyday!

Isn't that plane down in EVV?

 

[captain dad]

If you plan to take more than two paxs more than 800 n.m., plan to buy something other than a 400.

ULTRA/Encore/Encore+ (cheapest to most expensive, in that order)

400s can't make second segment when it's hot and heavy or when the ice is on. If you plan to stay in the flat lands, it would probably be ok.

 

[dime line]

San Francisco to Dallas with 2, not to much of a problem, just had to do long range cruise, .71, Isa+16 on climb, Isa-1 in at altitude. Landed with 1300lbs, could have done Hou and landed with 1000lbs (I'm not a fan of min fuel landing)

If Isa+5 or higher in flight might not have made it. But like everybody, 2nd seg sucks, but is and can be workable.

Its a great plane if you and the new owner knows the limitations up front.

 

[Hugh Johnson]

They glide really well.

 

[greygoose]

They glide really well.

Past your smart ass comment of the flameouts, they suck at gliding.