Challenger 601/604

[X man]

Need some hourly DOC for both the 601 and 604, also comments on maintenace, reliability, weak points, strong points. Have a company that needs something to fly Riyadh/London non-stop, always lots of bags, isolated location.

How does the aircraft handle, know they have nice large cockpits, and cabins, any information would be apreciated

Thanks

X man

 

[AZ Typed]

Challenger 604 Comments:

Maintenance: As with any aircraft, a maintenance program such as "smart parts" (not very familiar with the different options out there) is absolutly necessary to keep the boss happy (airworthy aircraft with no questions). My experience with the 604 is that it rarely breaks, but items do come up now and then. Our last item was the #2 nav/com computer.

Reliability: We've never had a dispatch problem - which may be attributable to the maintenance progam.

Weak Points: Gally is up front - this can get annoying when the FA is preparing multi-course meals. The jumpseat is a JOKE. Our direct TV is very sensitive (not so much a 604 issue unless it has to do with installation in 604s all over, I'm not sure on that). Disconnecting the batts. is cumbersom and the refueling system is stupid (almost forced to control refueling from inside the cockpit). Baggage area is somewhat weak - we bulk out very often. Bombardier support SUCKS! It's a bit squirly on landing (you have to MANUALLY deploy the ground spoilers - hello?) but then this factor could be my lack of piloting abilities, too!

Stong Points: Good "bank for the buck" as I understand. Roomy cabin and cockpit, killer avionics if you have all all the upgrades (autotrhottle, performance FMS, etc). Good performance capabilities. Payscales are obviously high (or should be). Passengers love the room and stand-up head and access to baggage inflight.

PM if you have more questions...

AZT

 

[G100driver]

what is wrong with the galley. Looks pretty functional, but then again I have never seen a multi-course meal prepared by an F/A in a 604.

 

[AZ Typed]

what is wrong with the galley. Looks pretty functional, but then again I have never seen a multi-course meal prepared by an F/A in a 604.

Their is nothing wrong with the galley other than the location. I'd prefer it in back so as to not have the light and dishes noise distracting the crew. Multi-course meals are pretty standard on 4 to 8 hours legs on these things (aren't they?).

 

[G100driver]

Their is nothing wrong with the galley other than the location. I'd prefer it in back so as to not have the light and dishes noise distracting the crew. Multi-course meals are pretty standard on 4 to 8 hours legs on these things (aren't they?).

Pretty high stress up there in 604? You that F/A close so she can get you that next cup of coffee!

Heck, we have full meals up and down the west coast!

 

[ruhroa]

don't forget that the aircraft has one lav ours is in the back of the aircraft. not good on long flights having to traverse bodies at night going say across the atlantic with pax sprawled out

 

[Dinger]

don't forget that the aircraft has one lav ours is in the back of the aircraft. not good on long flights having to traverse bodies at night going say across the atlantic with pax sprawled out

Heck, we just crank on the cabin lights to stir em', then we make a mid-Atlantic announcement on expected weather in Europe for the arrival, ask if everyone is comfy.....then, once all are awake back there, we tip-toe back to the lav to do a plumbing inspection.

 

[Problow]

Ours has galley in rear and toilet in front. X man if your in the market PM me know a great 604 forsale soon.