Is Beechjet a POS?

[BoilerUP]

I think you were crystal clear, flyer - some people are just a bit too presumptious...

 

[thatpilotguy]

I have some time in the Beechjet. We flew the new Hawker 400XP version. Don't let the name change fool you. It is the same plane, however there is an increase in max take off weight. The modifcation is really a paper change that I think most Beechjets are capable of doing, but don't hold me to that.

I have also flown the Citation Ultra. With regards to aircraft capability I think the Citation has the Beechjet beat. There are numerous pro's and con's with each. I hated the boots on the Citation, but like the ability to have a forward and aft baggage compartment. The Beechjet has superior avionics compared to the Citation. Range was a push. The Citation is a better "hot and high" airplane, and is much more comfortable in a cross wind. The cabin in the Beechjet is more comfortable in my opinion.

What I can say about both aircraft is that neither one had any real "got-cha's." No weird maintenace items or re-occuring write-ups. Both did their respective jobs well. I would fly either one again.

 

[400A]

I have some time in the Beechjet. We flew the new Hawker 400XP version. Don't let the name change fool you. It is the same plane, however there is an increase in max take off weight. The modifcation is really a paper change that I think most Beechjets are capable of doing, but don't hold me to that.

I have also flown the Citation Ultra. With regards to aircraft capability I think the Citation has the Beechjet beat. There are numerous pro's and con's with each. I hated the boots on the Citation, but like the ability to have a forward and aft baggage compartment. The Beechjet has superior avionics compared to the Citation. Range was a push. The Citation is a better "hot and high" airplane, and is much more comfortable in a cross wind. The cabin in the Beechjet is more comfortable in my opinion.

What I can say about both aircraft is that neither one had any real "got-cha's." No weird maintenace items or re-occuring write-ups. Both did their respective jobs well. I would fly either one again.

I second pilot guys assesment. I have flown them both as well. For our owner it was a cabin issue. He is quite tall, and in the Ultra/Encore cabin, even with his seat side tracked his head was on the ceiling. I also think that the 400A rides MUCH better in turb. 320Kt VMO also comes in handy blending with traffic in high density areas.

Pilot guy is also correct about the 400XP. The weight change was actually in effect on the last few 400A's. The name change was only a Raytheon game so the Hawker salesmen could sell the Beechjet. It is still type certificated a BE-40.

 

[400A]

On the other note, to answer the original question.... YES, the Beechjet (I refuse to call it a Hawker as not to offend the British) is a POS.

I could not disagree more. We are on our second 400A and they both have been great airplanes. Passengers love them. Ours has been very reliable. Even our Diamond that we had before the Beechjets was very reliable. Though underpowered.

 

[400A]

The 400A would be great with 3200# of thrust per side and another 500-1000lbs of fuel. .

I agree, It would be an awesome airplane.

 

[h25b]

I could not disagree more. We are on our second 400A and they both have been great airplanes. Passengers love them. Ours has been very reliable. Even our Diamond that we had before the Beechjets was very reliable. Though underpowered.

I have a hard time getting over the whole more than 3-4 people not being able to take full fuel thing...

Our 31a can take take full fuel and still have around 2000 lbs. of payload available.

 

[Geronimo4497]

Our 31a can take take full fuel and still have around 2000 lbs. of payload available.

But how far can you get on that much fuel? BOS-MIA?

 

[h25b]

But how far can you get on that much fuel? BOS-MIA?

Due to the fact that you're kept down low forever coming out of Boston, probably not.

 

[Geronimo4497]

BGR - PBI in the Pilatus, non stop. Beat that! I'm just starting to get feeling back in my legs!

 

[FlyFlyFly]

Based on these posts, I guess we really need an airplane with a 2500 mile range, stand up cabin, baggage room for a three ring circus and space shuttle performance on a 100 degree day in Denver. I would bet that for about 150 to 200 million someone could build it, but most people in the market for a light jet want to spend 5mm or less.

I guess every airplane makes a series of trade-offs to reach a reasonable blend of payload, range, performance and price. As pilots, we want nothing short of perfection across all categories. I m no exception, but to get some perspective, go dig the numbers on an old Lear 24 out, or a Citation I. Makes the current generation of light jeats seem a bit more capable.

 

[capt_zman]

They have already built it, it's called a Gulfstream!!

 

[CheeseDick]

The Mitsubishi Diamond 1A+ that I fly is worse. But the weight problem isn't there.

 

[400A]

I have a hard time getting over the whole more than 3-4 people not being able to take full fuel thing...

Our 31a can take take full fuel and still have around 2000 lbs. of payload available.

And you private non curtain lav enclosure is where? and you can load how many bags outside the cabin? Not to mention being able to move in the cabin. Current production?

I would hardly say that not being able to take full pax and full fuel makes it a POS.

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

BGR - PBI in the Pilatus, non stop. Beat that! I'm just starting to get feeling back in my legs!

Several years ago during one of my post furlough jobs I did RIC to John Wayne with one stop in texas for gas in a 12........9 hours 52 minutes flght time......single pilot.......NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!

 

[h25b]

And you private non curtain lav enclosure is where? and you can load how many bags outside the cabin? Not to mention being able to move in the cabin. Current production?

I would hardly say that not being able to take full pax and full fuel makes it a POS.

I'll give it to you on the no lav deal... Being a current production model has had no bearing as yet to DOC or parts availability and as for cabin room we just flew some people that own a Beechjet a few weeks ago and they were more impressed with our cabin...

But on the side of weight limited, Geez... We're not talking about a small deal like only being able to take 5-6 when you need full fuel. I can't imagine telling our boss, "well sir, to make range we can only take you and 1 or 2 of your best friends... Sorry."

The Beechjet sorely misses a single point refueling system, especially considering where you have to fuel the aux. tank from. Really makes you popular with line service....