Best Aircraft for the Job ???

[Birddog]

Next, I had looked at the Shorts SD3-30. But, don't know much bout them. How available are they? What kind of purchase price? Cost per hour to operate(or cost per cargo pound mile)???

Decent 330's are hard to come by. They are also slow. You are looking at a no wind round trip of about 7 hours, and that would only get about 5000 lbs at a time. A 360 would be a little faster, but not carry much more. The 1900 will be faster, but only take about 4000 lbs per trip.

I think the Dash 8 or the Saab would be a better choice. Depending on the size and density of the freight, a baby 9 might work well, as suggested above. You can also get a converted CRJ, but that would probably cost upwards of 10 million.

 

[EatSleepFly]

I was just thinking, the Brasilia might be more accepting of pallets and I was looking at the weight issues. The Brasilia would have a better useful load for what you're looking for I think. The plane will cruise 50kts faster as well I think from what stats I'm looking at. Here you go:
http://www.aviatorsale.com/aix4700/

CM

I don't think even a Brasilia would be able to take 8-9k lbs, but I could be wrong.

The more I think about it, 2 heavy Metros would be my vote. Run one back and forth twice and the other once if need be. Both can be had for the price of 1 Be-1900D, and they are more fuel efficient and at least the same speed. A Brasilia would cost significantly more and would still need to make 2 trips I think. Probably the same with a Saab. Castle out of CAK operated a cargo Saab for awhile, but not a very long while. I heard it wasn't very successful, but I have no first-hand knowledge. There's a reason you don't see CRJ's, Dash-8's and Saabs flying cargo around. What about a Convair? I don't know much about them, or if there's any even around to buy, but they seem to be good freight haulers.

 

[Captain Morgan]

You might be right, I was going off of rough numbers. I've never flown those aircraft. I know a guy who flew Metro's and he loved them. Plus, two of those, means more jobs for pilots.

CM

 

[propsarebest]

Convair 580...

 

[Captain Morgan]

Ohhh... that's a badda$$ bird!

 

[AV8N4Fun]

Man, I am so impressed to get so many serious responses so quickly. It is truly appreciated. Thanks!!

I need hard numbers as well as opinions. I just don't know anymore as to where to look for such. I've been out out of the business side of things for a few years. I'm sure somewhere on the internet there has got to be something that compares various aircrafts cost of operations. Do y'all think an AOPA or NBAA could/would help with this??

The Convair... WOW !! ... EatSleepFly, I guess I need to expand my considerations. I have not tried to look up the info on the Convair yet(BUt I will) , but, ... no doubt, it is such a proven cargo hauler. Not that long ago, I knew Kitty Hawk was selling off their Convairs. They had the turbine ones, not bad aircraft, I even jumpseated w/ em at one point a while back. Know if they still have them for sale &/or what something like that sells for???

Cpt Morgan, I like ur thinking. More aircraft = more pilot jobs. LOL That's good. I agree. I am wanting to create a situation that pretty much uses the maximum efficiency of a particular aircraft at the start. A little room for growth, but minimum. Growth will develop with additional aircraft AFTER we've had time to see what the market situation may really be and have time to get our feet wet. This is an opportunity to start w/ a known volume. IF I can put together a plan that at least satisfies their needs w/ that volume, then I am confident their is opportunity for much more.

Once again, THANKS. I appreciate the input. It has got me thinking already bout things I had not.

Sincerely, AV8N4Fun

 

[Junkflyer]

Something you may want to keep in mind is the 7500 # limit for 135, otherwise you will have to start a 121 operation.

 

[citabriapilot]

The Brasilia can only take just over 8,000 pounds due to max zero fuel weights. Even at that, you will only be able to fuel for a 300nm trip with light winds and no alternate.

 

[countbat]

Because you mentioned Kitty Hawk, why don't you just call them and maybe they will have a B737/727 taking your freight? It's cheaper, faster, less headaches.

 

[ksu_aviator]

Atr 72

ATR 72

http://www.bluegrassairport.com/documents/LEX-Chapter4-DemandAnalysis.pdf

TABLE 4-5
AIRCRAFT BLOCK HOUR OPERATING COSTS
Aircraft Type Block Hour Cost
Commercial Passenger Service​

ATR 72 $1,401

http://www.airliners.net/info/stats.main?id=42

ATR-72-200 - Max cruising speed at 15,000ft 526km/h (284kt), economical cruising speed 460km/h (248kt). Range with reserves at max optional weight 1195km (645nm), range with 66 pax 2665km (1200nm).

ATR-72-200 - Operating empty 12,400kg (27,337lb), max takeoff 21,500kg (47,400lb), optional 22,000kg (48,501lb).
ATR-72-210 - Operating empty 12,450kg (27,447lb), max takeoff same as ATR-72-200.
ATR-72-500 - Operating empty 12,950kg (28,550lb), max takeoff 22,000kg (48,501lb), optional 22,500kg (49,604lb).​