Sierra Industries Stallion for 501

[7KCAB]

We are seriously considering the Stallion conversion on our 501. Has anyone had any experience with one or with a modified 500/501 with the Williams engines? Wondering specifically about maintenance issues, product support, performance, etc. I know Cessna doesn't like anything Sierra, but we rarely (if ever) use a service center if we can help it.

It sounds like the Stallion almost makes a real airplane out of the 500/501. Our passengers love our cabin (Sierra 3-place seat mod), baggage carrying capacity, ability to get into shorter runways, and for what we'd be into our 501 after the conversion, there isn't much (if anything) that can come close for the money or efficiency. We're considering an Citation V (at least a million more), S/II (relatively older airplane and would burn more fuel at a slightly faster speed), Kingair 350 (slower and props and more expensive), Beechjet/Lear 31 (baggage limited - we carry ALOT and more expensive).

I've never been a big fan of conversions on older planes and have felt that you should buy the airplane you need, but this one sounds like it may be a good thing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[CelticCitation]

Curious myself. We looked at the mods coming for the CII, and couldn't pencil it out. The only way I could see it work would be if you had a really low airframe time, were going to be doing overhauls anyway, were extremely attached to the aircraft, and your first born was concieved in the aircraft. Otherwise with the residual value of the airframe versus the cost of the new engines, you'd be just ahead to find a good value on an S/II or a V. You get more room, and probably better performance, albeit on slightly more fuel. Then your resale value will be more stable on a known product.

Having said all that, at a service center the other day, I saw a 501 that had EVERY sierra mod, including a new panel with the cool Chelton displays. I don't know what it cost, but it did make me drool, even though I've always found the 501 otherwise lacking.

I guess since way too many aviation purchases are based on emotion anyway, and it sounds like it would do the job, do what you want. There will always be another airplane.

CC

 

[7KCAB]

Our guys feel just the way you described (not sure about the firstborn, but that was before I started here, so who knows). They love the room, baggage, range (we have the range for 90%+ of our trips with the 501), and have put a good bit of money into it - RVSM, MFD w/NEXRAD, Garmin 430's, paint, etc. They are attached to say the least and we have it the way we want it.

 

[Jetlag]

Im currently flying the Eagle II mod for the past 6 weeks.