King Air 200 vs. 300 - the facts

[VA AV8R]

My experience is only in the 300 series King Air and I was wondering if some of you who have flown both could give me the pro's/con's of each. My goal here is to tell someone that the 300 is a better aircraft based on their needs. Thanks ladies and gents...

 

[ArcherB]

The main difference between the 300 and the 200 is that the 300 has 1050 SHP/side and the 200 has 850 SHP/side. When loading the 300 you can easily carry full fuel, passengers and baggage without exceeding the max ramp weight of 14100 pds. The 200 has practically the same fuselage as the 300 but has a gross weight of 12500 pds. I would say if the King Air is going to be used frequently with full passengers and make longer trips then the 300 would be the better airplane. This is my take on the two airplanes, but then again I am still biased to the 300. The disadvantage to the 300 is the fact that the pilot needs a type rating which the company may not want the expense of dealing with.

 

[350DRIVER]

The 300 & 350 are very similiar, this would be a much better comparison in my opinion versus choosing between a 200 or the 300 for purchase. Sounds like your "friend" is looking into a purchase. Depending on his needs, wants, goals, desires, etc, etc, I would go with a 300 hands down and no questions asked if money is not a major object or deciding factor. You have so much flexibility with the 300 (3611lbs/fuel, bags, full pax) that you probably will be much more limited with the 200 although the 200 may work depending on his or her needs and wants.


Both are pretty good birds but the 300 will possibly offer more in the long run depending on what the potential owner intends on doing with it.


good luck


3 5 0

 

[Kingairrick]

My goal here is to tell someone that the 300 is a better aircraft based on their needs.

Hopefully it IS better based upon their needs. My opinion is that the 200 might be better is they are mostly short trips. The 200 has a simpler electrical system, and requires no type rating as mentioned above. However, the 300 has MUCH better loading and performance. That comes with increased cost. Also, there are many 200s that are still under warranty, NO 300s.

If they will be making most trips under 500 miles with anything less than seats full, the 200 makes financial sense. If they need more range, or carry lots of stuff, take the extra operating cost and get the 300.

Also, the 300 is more fun to fly.

 

[msw]

I kind of second what Kingairrick said. We looked at both 200's and 300's, and ended up with a B200. Most of our trips are under about 400 - 500 NM, and I think the 200/B200 has a slight advantage there. But the big issue is going to be how many used airframes you have to "shop" from. There are way way way more 200/B200's around, for sale, than 300's; you'll have a much bigger selection to choose from.

On the other hand, on the longer/fuller trips, I do find myself wishing for a 300....... or a 350..........or maybe a Citation X.