Piper Apache for Multi-time

[Zekeflyer]

Multi-Engine For time Building

Thanks again y'all.
Let me start by saying that I got my instrument rating yesterday! I wasn't as much pleased as I was relieved...but that's that.


Logansun,
I live in the Houston Area, Sugar Land specifically...So I dont think It would be practical to be a part-owner in the Airplane. For anyone else in the houston area though I am all ears.

LR25,
I've seen a lot of older 310s for sale with advertised fuel burn ranging from 20GPH to 26 GPH! I have read some articles that suggest a good estimate for cost of ownership is 3x the fuel burn. At 26 gallons per our and $3.50/gal, that equals $273/hr to own and operate. is this estimate even close to your experience?


DeadStick and Kerosene Snorter,
I am also considering Block time. the chapest is the Ari-Ben in Florida...I live in Texas, and I would also have to factor in Hotels, and Airline tickets in to the final price...while I havent done the numbers yet, I think that it come out cheaper than owning outright, and that might be the best option.
I am not set on owning...its just that It would probably be the most convinent for me and allow me to fly when I can instead of changing my schedule to fit around the flying time.


But thanks again everyone. Keep the suggestions coming...they are very insightful, and I've certainly learned from this exchange.

 

[LR25]

If you fly the 310 at lower power settings, you will get the fuel burn down to a managable rate.

Keep this in mind, a 310 flys around 160-170 kts. If you fly at 55% power, or even a little less, your burn will be far less than the 20+ gal an hour than advertised.

Im not sure exactly what speed you will get at that power setting, but it will most likely be more than the Apache's normal cruise speed at its normal power settings.

Maybe someone with 310 experience can help us out here.

And from my experience, the 310 will be alot better on maintenance.

Its a far superior airplane than the Apache.

You want to look at older 310's, being 55 through 59 or so. They have the tuna tanks and straight tails.

After those years, the prices just get out of hand.

55 was the first year.

 

[Zekeflyer]

Multi-Engine Trainer

LR25,
Thanks for your response.
So do you own a 310? it sounds lke you do. If so, let me know what your maintenance cost is like, annual costs, hangar rate compared to the singles, etc. I will look at this by assuming fuel burn to be about 22gph.
I havent mentioned insurance, but with only 275hrs and less than 15hrs in a twin, I wonder if insurance will kill my ambitions? What's your experience?


Thanks.

 

[cforst513]

hey zeke, man, great job on getting your instrument rating!! i think that shouldn't be overlooked by everyone here. good work!

 

[WRENCH]

Flys,Floats, F*!#S

If you really need ME time...Rent and split with another time builder! I'm an A&P as well and have had the nightmare or maintaining them. It seems as though you are pissing away money, but trust me...your kidneys, bladder, and state of mind will thank you when you have enough ME rental time.

-Wrench

 

[imacdog]

I fly a 310R and it is a great airplane. We fly our NA 310s at 75% power and they burn about 33gph at 180 knots. The turbo 310s burn 36-38gph at 75% power and 195 knots. We charge our vendor $130 per hour plus fuel, which works out to about $260 or so per hour. The planes will fly at much reduced power settings but we are a time critical freight operator. Maintenance on the 310R has been relatively minimal, with the heaters getting worked on the most. We have also replaced a couple starters and one vacuum pump in the last six months, spread over three planes.

edit - by "minimal" I mean these are very reliable planes, not that we skimp on mx.

 

[cforst513]

heaters?! HA!!! real pilots don't need heaters!

 

[imacdog]

In Minnesota during the winter it is almost an emergency situation to have one fail . Engine blankets work as a crutch in those situations.

 

[MTpilot]

Twinkie!

Twin Comanche is supposed to be a cheap airplane to run, and fast for the fuel burn, that is what I would get if I had a real job.

 

[LR25]

LR25,
Thanks for your response.
So do you own a 310? it sounds lke you do. If so, let me know what your maintenance cost is like, annual costs, hangar rate compared to the singles, etc. I will look at this by assuming fuel burn to be about 22gph.
I havent mentioned insurance, but with only 275hrs and less than 15hrs in a twin, I wonder if insurance will kill my ambitions? What's your experience?


Thanks.

I dont own a 310, just came close to it a few times.

I have done a couple prebuys on the 310 and Apaches, the 310 seemed the better way to go.

As far as insurance, you can get a quote for nothing, you might want to start with that for both types your interested in.

I got some qoutes 8 yrs or so ago, and it wasnt that bad.