Realistically...

[Lead Sled]

Could I load a Cessna 414 (Ram VI) up with 8 people on a hot day and fly a 1.5 hour trip FAIRLY comfortably?? By the book you can, but I want to hear from the real-life guys.

Based on you guy's input and guidance, I am thinking this is plane now....

I've been playing around a bit on our Flitesoft program using the generic C-414A and C-421C aircraft performance files. It would sure help your C-414A cause if you could tell me that a few of your passengers were less than standard weight. If you were going to carry some 120 to 150 pound women along with the normal lard-a$$ guys it would probably work. However, when you start loading 170 pounders (or more) you start going out the back end. The best thing you could probably do is talk to someone who has one and play with the numbers that you will realistically be using.

'Sled

 

[dhc8fo]

I've been playing around a bit on our Flitesoft program using the generic C-414A and C-421C aircraft performance files. It would sure help your C-414A cause if you could tell me that a few of your passengers were less than standard weight. If you were going to carry some 120 to 150 pound women along with the normal lard-a$$ guys it would probably work. However, when you start loading 170 pounders (or more) you start going out the back end. The best thing you could probably do is talk to someone who has one and play with the numbers that you will realistically be using.

'Sled

Thanks Sled. That is some of what I was looking for. I only know two things... one pax is about 130 and the others are probably all "standard" weight (about 180) and they will vary from trip to trip.

 

[Lead Sled]

Thanks Sled. That is some of what I was looking for. I only know two things... one pax is about 130 and the others are probably all "standard" weight (about 180) and they will vary from trip to trip.

If that's the case, you're going to have problems with just about anything that's pressurized in your price range (around the price of a C414A). It may be time to talk to the boss about expanding his horizons even further. Especially if you're serious about carrying 7 passengers all of the time. If you tell me that you normally only carry 4 or 5 and just make the occasional trip with a full boat then the 414 might be perfect for you - you just might have to make a fuel stop when you're loaded up. Remember, when it comes to airplanes, you can always find something that can carry what you want, as far as you want, at the speed you want, but seldom at the price you want.

'Sled

 

[dhc8fo]

If that's the case, you're going to have problems with just about anything that's pressurized in your price range (around the price of a C414A). It may be time to talk to the boss about expanding his horizons even further. Especially if you're serious about carrying 7 passengers all of the time. If you tell me that you normally only carry 4 or 5 and just make the occasional trip with a full boat then the 414 might be perfect for you - you just might have to make a fuel stop when you're loaded up. Remember, when it comes to airplanes, you can always find something that can carry what you want, as far as you want, at the speed you want, but seldom at the price you want.

'Sled

Actually, this IS the worst-case scenario. 4-5 would probably be the norm. I am just pretty sure that I will be doing a full boat from time to time. Just wondering if this bird can make it decently enough. Sound like it is doable (within the weight limitations) but at the sacrifice of performace and comfort...but that is how it is in my 340. I just need a plane that can carry more people.

Unfortunately, I am the boss, which is why the pockets aren't too deep.

 

[Lead Sled]

Actually, this IS the worst-case scenario. 4-5 would probably be the norm. I am just pretty sure that I will be doing a full boat from time to time. Just wondering if this bird can make it decently enough. Sound like it is doable (within the weight limitations) but at the sacrifice of performace and comfort...but that is how it is in my 340. I just need a plane that can carry more people.

Unfortunately, I am the boss, which is why the pockets aren't too deep.

You know the old saying..."An airplane is a flying compromise." If it makes you feel any better, you'd probably have to spend a lot more $$$ to get something that would be able to do all that you have stated and it will most likely burn kerosene. You might be able to find something non-pressurized that would do it, but who would want to go back to flying down low. It's too bumpy and hot down there.

Is this for 135 or 91? Not that it makes any real difference.

'Sled

 

[dhc8fo]

You know the old saying..."An airplane is a flying compromise." If it makes you feel any better, you'd probably have to spend a lot more $$$ to get something that would be able to do all that you have stated and it will most likely burn kerosene. You might be able to find something non-pressurized that would do it, but who would want to go back to flying down low. It's too bumpy and hot down there.

Is this for 135 or 91? Not that it makes any real difference.

'Sled

yeah...if the pockets were really deep I would be flying around right now in my shiney jet and not even bothering to ask questions like this on this board

It will be a single-pilot 135 gig. It is so hard to find THE aircraft. All of my *wants* don't ammount to one plane. Pressurized, cabin class, PISTON, carry a lot of people, affordable....

If I could only get my hands on a perfect condition little J31 for 300K....

 

[Lead Sled]

yeah...if the pockets were really deep I would be flying around right now in my shiney jet and not even bothering to ask questions like this on this board

It will be a single-pilot 135 gig. It is so hard to find THE aircraft. All of my *wants* don't ammount to one plane. Pressurized, cabin class, PISTON, carry a lot of people, affordable....

If I could only get my hands on a perfect condition little J31 for 300K....

I hear ya. I'd still try and talk to people who are actually flying both the 414 and 421 and spend some time working "What If's" using actual numbers. It will become pretty clear in short order what you will and will not be able to do. What ever you do, don't spend a lot of time using "generic" numbers and weights - all production airplanes ever built weigh more than what the brochures say they do.

There is also another option...

Find yourself a sleezy airplane salesman. I guarantee that he will know just exactly what will work and just so happen to know where one is. imp:

Have fun.

'Sled