The new Hawker Beechcraft

[avratdwc]

All,

I am doing some research and would like to know of any recent experiences you have had dealing with Hawker Beechcraft. Has there service level increased? I am expressly interested in the KTPA maintenance facility if anyone can give some insight into that facility. The King Air 350 may be a possible aicraft for us, just want to know if its the proper one overall.

Thanks in advance.

Avrat

 

[400A]

Hbc

I have not dealt with the Tampa facility, but I have just completed an aircraft order with them. We wrote an order for a Premier 1A. We had a trade in quote on our Beechjet and also had the option to sell it ourselves. I was able to get the airplane sold for more money. During the pre-buy it was discovered that the hydraulic struts on the co-pilots seat were shot. This was deemed an airworthy item. No big deal I thought. Well none were to be had. This went up on the AOG board in Wichita and before I knew it there was 15-20 people chasing this part. They finally found one and then DHL lost it. Once another set was located they put the struts on a demo aircraft that was headed this way and they were hand delivered to me.

The Aircraft order process was equally as well handled. The order process was well done, and Myself, our 2nd pilot and the owners were treated like Royalty during the factory visits. We are very excited about our new aircraft. Support to all of our needs has been outstanding.

I have always attributed our very high dispatch rate to HBS maintenance.

 

[Swass]

I have a very close friend who is one of the top dogs there and he has mentioned that things have improved dramatically at HBC, things are actually being done and not just given the lip service. He see's great things ahead over there.

 

[TimsKeeper]

tpa raytheon

I've dealt with the TPA maint. of Raytheon a few times.

Once in a King Air 350 they had a crew drive to BCT to fix a problem. They came in minimal time and fixed it within an hour when they arrived.

Several times with Hawkers at the Tampa facility for routine maintenance. They always did an above average job overall.

Only place Raytheon ever dissapointed me maint. wise was ACY....but that base is now closed so no worries there.

 

[avratdwc]

Thanks everyone for the reply's. Can anyone comment specifically on the B350 with respect to the aircraft performance, passenger comfort etc.

Best Regards,

Avrat

 

[400A]

Thanks everyone for the reply's. Can anyone comment specifically on the B350 with respect to the aircraft performance, passenger comfort etc.

Best Regards,

Avrat

Hard to beat a 350 if you are in the market for a turboprop. Plenty of room. Plenty of bags. 300KTS+
Full Tanks and Full seats most of the time. Very reliable. Flys nice. Pro-Line 21 is awesome if you can get one that new. They also hold their value very well. New ER version has around 2500 miles range, if you are a gluten for punishment.

 

[avratdwc]

Thanks for the reply. Our mission profiles are southeast and northeast and bahamas. Over in the islands I need to be able to get into 3300 ft. with 1800lbs payload worst case and have 1.8 hrs fuel to get back (that includes reserve). Is this aircraft capable of that on a 35 degree C day?

thanks,

Avrat

 

[NewmanF16]

CJ-2+ would be a tad shy on the load (1700#) but the CJ-3 would do it no problem. They would also do it faster and cheaper.

 

[400A]

CJ-2+ would be a tad shy on the load (1700#) but the CJ-3 would do it no problem. They would also do it faster and cheaper.

Seating might be a problem though.

 

[NewmanF16]

Maybe, but if you need the extra seat, go with the Encore+. The Citations all are cheaper to operate and not only hold their value, but are typically worth more than you paid for them for years.

The only downside is Cessna can't build them fast enough, but that's why they hold their value. I think it's about 2.5 years to take delivery right now. Not sure what the lead time is on a King Air.

 

[400A]

Maybe, but if you need the extra seat, go with the Encore+. The Citations all are cheaper to operate and not only hold their value, but are typically worth more than you paid for them for years.

The only downside is Cessna can't build them fast enough, but that's why they hold their value. I think it's about 2.5 years to take delivery right now. Not sure what the lead time is on a King Air.

They are great airplanes but in my opinion the only citation that is comfortable with 8 pax is the Excel.

I am assuming by his load amount that he is carrying 8 or 9 pax. CJ3 only has six seats in the cabin. 350's double club is nice for high pax loads.

I am only 5'10 and my head hits the ceiling in the CJ even when side tracked. Not so in the King Air.

 

[NewmanF16]

Actually, the CJ-3 typically is optioned with 7 seats (side facing seat by entry door and smaller refreshment center) and has an admittedly uncomfortable belted potty. You can double club an Encore, though. The small cabin Citations are wider and taller than the King Air, although they have some more curvature due to the higher pressure differential. I certainly can't argue that a stand up cabin (XLS) is more comfortable.

The nice thing, of course, is you'll spend an hour less in the airplane on a 1000nm trip above most weather.

 

[400A]

No argument there. I did an SIC checkout in an Excel the other day and that was a hoot! Very easy airplane to fly. The Citations have always had that and reliability going for them.

 

[avratdwc]

Hey guys, thanks for the great insights. I would love to get the CJ3 but the problems is going to be pax load and even more so, lead time. I was quoted 24 months from deposit to delivery. This purchase is going to be for short term need. The company actaully has there eye on the Sovereign for long term planning. That airplane will cure all my little criteria. All indicators rite now are steering me twords the 350 (perfect island airplane) and there is the possability of alot of short hops (.5 to 1.0). I would rather put those types of cycles on a turboprop as opposed to the jet. I agree on the Encore, flew one for quite a while and I can say the Encore+ is going to be the nuts with the fadec and Collins. Im regards to the 350 does anyone have anything negative to say about them? Does anyone have any working insight with regards to the Support+ porgram for both parts and labor?

Thanks again for the great information. Keep it coming, actual insight is truly appreciated.

regard,

Avrat

 

[AeroBoy]

Avrat,

Baynan Air at Fort Lauderdale is also a HBC-authorized King Air maintenance facility, and they do warranty work. Their maintenance guys might be able to give you some insight into the KA350.