How's the ride?

[flywest]

I have a friend that is looking to buy into a fractional and/or card program. Their chief concern is "how does the airplane ride in turbulence?". Thier primary mission is from Ohio to TEB, so range is not a big issue, but comfort definetely is. I know that once we all get into the TEB terminal area, we're pretty much the same, but I told him that I would ask to see if anyone has any recommendations.

For those guys/gals that have flown several different aircraft types, any suggestions?

They are also interested in the Piaggio. Any Avantair guys have any input on that aircraft in turbulence?

Thanks

 

[pilotpat]

Sounds like a Beechjet op to me, but how many pax? And are you serious about their chief concern?? I mean, you can be in an airliner and it's not going to make a difference when there's a pirep for moderate chop. If that's the case, maybe a NJ or FLOP's guy can answer how the Hawker XP400 is compared to the old Diamond/Beechjet. I heard they've got ram head control wheels and anti-turbulence protection...

Okay, okay ~ that was out of line.

 

[Hawker800]

Hawker 800 & 800XP's do well. Very comfortable cabin and other amenities. Need alot of money though.

 

[IronManNDFW]

XP's do very well in rough air. They can handle a short trip like this also. Just one of many that day...

And if it is real rough you have room to keep from bouncing off the walls & overhead...

 

[Coool Hand Luke]

You need to pick the aircraft with the Lowest Aspect-Ratio wing. A low aspect-ratio wing has 50% less Coefficeint of Lift (CL) which equals a better ride when encountering verticle gusts. I would guess off hand that the Citation X beats everyone.

 

[172driver]

The Beechjet ride is very stiff in the bumps.

 

[fischman]

So is the Ultra. Not much flex in those wings.

I bet the G4 and G5 are very nice in the rough air.

 

[realityman]

The Citation X is a very nice ride in turbulence. Kinda big and pricey though for regular trips from Ohio to TEB.