DA20 or HS125-700

[rwelch]

My current company is researching a DA20 vs a HS125-700.
Can anyone weigh in with pros and cons on both of these types?
We are based in Florida and make frequent trips to Chicago with occasional trips the California.

 

[banned username 2]

If you are looking at a Falcon 20, make sure it has the Garrett 731-5BR engines on it... If it has the old GE CF700's run far and run fast!

If it does have the Garrett's I would go with the Falcon... Larger cabin, better built, nicer flying and faster...

 

[Rick1128]

I'd go with FalconCapt on only considering DA20 with the 731 conversations. But Having flown both aircraft they both have their good points and bad points. If your people are on the tall side the Hawker is a better choice, the cabin is 2 inches higher. You didn't say what model Falcon you were considering. It has been my experience that the C's are notorious hydraulic leakers. And it is a hydraulic aircraft. I understand that the later aircraft are better. As for fixes on the hydraulics, it has been my experience that they really don't work that well.

The Hawker's issues are that the 700 is a pig. It is underpowered. With prices where they are, I would also consider an early 800. Performance is much better. If price is a major consideration, also consider a 600 with the 731 conversation. It is 1500 pounds lighter than the 700 with the same airframe. Corrostion is a major issue with Hawkers. A lot of it is caused by the deice fluid TKS. And that is another issue with the Hawker. If you keep the aircraft clean, it seems to help a lot. For California trips, get one with the Dorsel and Ventral tanks. And forget about TR's, the Hawker doesn't need them in any form, shape or manner. The lift dump system is great.

Good luck.

 

[LAZYB]

And forget about TR's, the Hawker doesn't need them in any form, shape or manner. The lift dump system is great.

...and the TRs cost you big time in performance, high and hot. I think it was around a 1,000#

 

[ultrarunner]

My current company is researching a DA20 vs a HS125-700.
Can anyone weigh in with pros and cons on both of these types?
We are based in Florida and make frequent trips to Chicago with occasional trips the California.

I researched Falcon 20's a fair amount this past year, so I can comment a bit on that airframe....

I am assuming you're comparing a 731 retrofitted 20 to the Hawker. If not, you're not even close in making a fair comparision.

So, with that said, there are a few notes on 731 Falcon 20's.

I second the comment on the 5-BR engine. It will do much better hot and high than the -AR.

MIA to SFO is 2200 nm, and is out of reach westbound in the 20 in the winter. I would say that's even a stretch in the summer. The leg is doable eastbound. You may have more range in a tanked Hawker.

Stay away from the older retrofitted 20's. They are just getting too old IMO, and there were many system improvements in the F models. I'd look for a later s/n F model. They also had higher weights and fuel capcity.

Somewhere after s/n 370 or so, Dassault changed to bonded fusalage skins. Prior to this, skins were riveted to the fusalage and these planes are more prone to corrosion.

There is a sb out there that changes out the stock APU for one that can be operated in-flight. Might be important if you're looking at a 20 with a heavy EFIS mod.

There is a sb that put a baggage compartment in the tail of the 20. It's not huge, but I have seen it and it's a decent size. Other than that, it's like the Hawker...everything up the steps.

Landing gear overhauls can run into obsecene amounts of money.

And lastly, two words.....

Cee Check!

Be very afraid.

In all seriousness, in todays market, IMO you're better off looking at a newer airframe. The newest 20 out there is 20 years old. And most 25 to 30. Marcel built a wonderful airframe, but it was built with the philosophy that it would never break. But it does, and it costs HUGE money to fix.

Issues such as RVSM and TAWS compliance on the two airframes you mention could run into incredible amounts of money. Costs of these solutions on these airframes needs to be researched on your part.

And lastly, some food for thought. While the cost of getting into the game is a bit more, later 800's, DA-50's and LR-60's will do the mission you want, both directions, non-stop. There are much newer airframes available, most out there likely meet the compliance issues, and the costs to operate are comparable, if not less than the two airframes you are considering.

Get the books out and do some reading.

Good luck.

 

[h25b]

I'll second that opinion... In the current pre-owned aircraft market you'd probably be a lot better off with an Hawker 800, Lear 60, etc... There are bargains out there on such airplanes.

If your looking at a Hawker 700, you wouldn't be looking at all that much more money to go ahead with an 800 and you'd be light years ahead...

A previous poster was correct about the TKS corrosion issue on the Hawkers, but as long as you get yourself a well cared for a/c you'll be alright. It's like anything, buyer beware...