CJ1/2 single pilot

[TimsKeeper]

Does anybody have comments on flying CJ1/2 single pilot in the California area?

I don't know much about the airplane but would like any feedback. Besides no one to hand you the charts or talk through the checklist with you what have you found to be the hardest part with this aircraft.

Thanks.

 

[Benny Hill]

Did it in the NY metro area for a few years and loved it for the most part.

Times that I did not like it were mostly on the ground before and after a flight -getting the plane/cabin ready or cleaning up after a long day is certainly easier with a second person.

The key is to be well organized before you get off the ground.

 

[English]

I flew a CJ, a CJ1 and CJ2 around California for about two years.

The plane is a piece of cake to fly. Don't worry about not having anyone around to hand you charts or checklists.

The hardest parts about flying single pilot are:

1) going to the bathroom on long flights (you can't unless you use the pee tube)

2) getting bored on long flights, with nobody to talk to.

Besides those two things, the airplane is a blast to handfly - very nimble, like a little (slow) sportscar.

Who will you be flying for? There are three 135 CJ openings in SoCal right now. Two are good positions, but the third I'd run from (and did).

 

[TimsKeeper]

without giving the name....it is owned by two people and chartered when available in the San Diego area. If you think this could be the negative one please PM me so I can get information.

However, so far it seems to be pretty good. Decent pay and missions...however what one says and does are things to be aware of.

tx for the inputs.

 

[English]

You're ok. It's a good gig. But, you are the second person on this board this week that has an inside track to this job. I gave the other guy the inside scoop...if you want it too, PM me your phone number and I'll call you.

I know the owners and can give you info on that, but I don't have any experience with the charter operator they are going to be using.

 

[Heavy Set]

Hey English,

A few questions regarding the CJ1/2:

1. What are the biggest differences between the CJ1 and CJ2 in handling?

2. For the CJ2, what is the maximum range, for example, from SoCal with 2 passengers and baggage? Any examples of missions you flew from SoCal?

3. Did you use the Proline 21 in the CJ1/2? How did you like it - was it a nice setup?

 

[English]

The biggest differences in handling between the two are that the CJ/CJ1 is very light and nimble, and the CJ2 feels more solid and is a better performer.

The CJ is a very restricted aircraft performance-wise. For example, with a MTOW of 10,400, subtract 6800 for a BOW and 3200 for full fuel. That leaves 400 pounds for passengers and fuel. With full fuel, the CJ can fly eastbound about 1000 NM. The CJ2 is not as restricted. It can fly about 1400 NM and still take full fuel, and a good load of passengers and bags.

The CJ1 and 2 both have the Pro Line 21. It was a great set-up. It was reminiscing about this today while flying the 737-200. The CJs were simple to fly because all the information you'd ever need was easily displayed. The -200 is pretty basic in terms of automation and I'm back to doing the math while I fly (yeah I'm lazy).

The CJ3 is supposed to have the Collins FMS which will make integration of VNAV data seamless. That's really the only thing missing in the CJ2 Pro Line 21 configuration with the Universal FMS.

Heavy Set, if you ever get the chance, definitely go fly the CJ2, but don't bother with the CJ or CJ1. You'll appreciate the difference in performance in the CJ2.