Conquest,Caravan,PC-12,King Air?

[msw]

I used to fly a Cessna 414 for my outfit and when we looked at turboprops, my boss wanted a Conquest also, figuring it was an "easy step up". I talked him out of it because we also sometimes fly up to 8 pax..... you ain't getting 8 pax comfortably into a Conquest. There's a reason why there was around 600 or so Conquests made, and it's no longer in production........ vs. 6000 King Airs. If you want a twin turboprop, for $2million you could probably get a real nice early 1990's B200, and it'd have the room for 8 pax (the King Air 90's do not).

We also looked at the PC12, but ultimately rejected it because we did not want to be a glider if we lost one engine. But I'd definitely pick the PC12 over the Caravan for the speed and the huge cabin, if I was seriously considering a single.

Training: Where will you have to go to find a FlightSafety or SimCom or Simuflight training program for the aircraft you choose? Something to consider. (FSI has a King Air 200 program in Long Beach; I think you'd have to travel to Wichita for the Conquest. Would you rather spend a week in Southern California or in Wichita?)

BTW, the King Air B200 was a piece of cake "step-up" from the 414 I flew before it. I thought it flew/handled a lot like the Beech 18's I flew a long time ago. After FlightSafety B200 Initial training and about 4 or 5 hours in the actual airplane (two flights), I was perfectly comfortable in it. The biggest challenge was figuring out the FMS; that took about two more flights of button pushing, and playing around with it, and now I wonder how I could ever fly anything without one.

 

[Headwind]

The C-441 is faster and has more range than the B-200. The Cessna out performs the B-200. Which would I prefer to operate every day? I think most people know that the B-200 is the best aircraft for this mission.

HEADWIND

 

[Grumman guy]

Great info guys , thanks for the help!

 

[Big Duke Six]

Did I read somewhere that you can get a twin-engine PC-12? I assume it would be similar to a Dual-Pack Caravan. Anyone know anything about that option in a PC-12?


Then again, I could be way off...

 

[Flyin Tony]

If he wants a Multi get a MU2. But what do I know, I only have 500hours in singles

 

[steve937]

The Caravan would be the cheapest to operate and maintain. very easy to work on, but it's slow you would get board with it fast. The conquest is built cheap. I have no experiance or opinion of a PC-12
The King Air is the best ride by far!, The C-90 has a nice roll rate, and has a sporty feel to it, Raytheon has pretty good product support.
Happy Hunting!

 

[Kingairrick]

Get the newest B200 you can afford. It is perfect for the mission you described. Lots of room for comfort. It is basically a twin PC-12.

 

[j41driver]

.....

 

[Palmtree Pilot]

TPE-331'S ARE CRAP!

I DISAGREE!

And they are the coolest sounding and loudest engine out there; which is very important as a TP Pilot. Actually I would trade in a TPE for a TFE.

Pt P

 

[kingairyahoo]

yea, im with rick on this one. but only if youre gonna be seriously taking 8 pax. it sounds like the PC12 could handle 8, but the three in the back might not appreciate it much. a king air 200 can handle 8 with ease...and beg ya for more

 

[prpjt]

First, if you will ever need to carry 8 pax, you need to kick out the C90 - it will hold 7 max, and then it needs to be a 1 hour or less trip.

Questions to ask the boss are how much comfort is required, and how long do they want the trip to take.

Sounds like most of your trips are 200-300 miles. In the van you are in the low low teens bouncin' around in the summer, unless they want to wear O2. In the others you are looking at 180 to 220 on the 200 milers. Much more comfy. Boss won't spill his drink.

Flight time on a van verses the others, well, the 200 mile trip will take about 20 - 30 minutes longer each way in the van. A 300 mile trip will take 45 mins longer each leg. If you fly 15 days a month, the boss will save 15 hours or more of flight time each month in the other planes you mentioned. That's 180 hours a year, or 4 and a half work weeks he won't be riding in a plane. (or paying for) Whats his time worth.

The Conquest is no longer in production and some parts can be a bear to get. The cabin is not near what the PC12 or a King Air is. If he is over 5'9 he'll feel like the ceiling is touching his head.
Like I said the 90 can't hold 8. If you decide that 8 pax isn't a must have a C90B is a good choice. For 2 mil, a nice 89 - 91 B200 can be bought. In my opinion this is the best play. If he doesn't mind a single engine the PC12 is a great aircraft. I just can't see the Caravan as the most comfortable ride.

If you need some #'s on a C90 let me know. We fly ours on short hops 90% of the time. We will be selling it within 30 days and moving to a 200.

Good luck!

 

[Yellow Snow]

I am biased but I like the merlins. I have a little time in a 3B and it is really flexible. I carries a ton of fuel and can take eight pax no problem. Oh did I mention it goes like a bat out of hades.

 

[kingaira90]

Turbo commander with -10 conversion, faaaaaast and flys MUCH better/easier than the MU2. Although the 8 peeps is out. So if the 8 people are a must, the Merlin. Much less than a King Air 200 and FASTER!-kingaira90

 

[Yellow Snow]

Merlin burns less fuel too. Also looks really cool. You can pick one up for under a million with fresh engines and new leather. The usual useful load for a 3B is a little over four thousand pounds which allows 8 pax and about three hrs fuel. With light pax load you can go about two thousand miles as fuel capacity is about 650 gals. Many of the merlins have also had the dash 10 conversion so they are very fast. I think its one of the best aircraft i've ever seen for a corporate mission with props. The one I flew was very quiet and comfortable we had seven pax for a flight to the bahamas and no one was crammed in like they would be in a 441. The king airs are very good acft but they just can't match the performance.

 

[kingaira90]

Many of the merlins have also had the dash 10 conversion so they are very fast. I think its one of the best aircraft i've ever seen for a corporate mission with props.

I forgot about the -10 on the Merlins too. Get that. Cheaper than any PC-12 and it has 2 engines. You could buy more engines and LOTS of Maint and fuel with the million you save!-kingaira90