Upgrade to Midsize

[nwf800]

We currently manage and operate a mustang for one of our customers. They are looking to upgrade for something that has better range and speed. He mentioned to us the G150 but we want to look at all the options. Only real restriction is that it can do 3000 miles. I know he will never really do legs like that but something that can go anywhere in the states non stop from chicago with descent load. Any suggestions?

 

[hiflyer731]

The Lear 40/45 will do what you want. It doesn't have 3000nm range but it will get to/from Chicago and anywhere else in the lower 48 with 6 or 7 pax and bags. We do MDW-LAX a few times each year and haven't had to make a stop yet. As long as the weather is good at LAX it's usually not a problem. The nice thing about the 45 is it will climb straight to FL450 at MGTOW so direct routing is standard and you're almost always out of the weather and bumps. DOC is low too and in the 3+ years I have been operating a 45 we have only had 2 MX issues that caused a delay.

 

[BoilerUP]

Define "decent load". What airports do they want/need to operate from? Also, what is their acquisition & operating budget - it'll be a big step up in both from a Citation Mustang.

From Chicago to pretty much anywhere on the left coast is ~1600nm; most any aircraft with 2200nm+ range should meet that mission with IFR reserves. Hawker, Sovereign, LJ60, Astra, etc. LJ45 might be pushing reserves a bit going west against winter winds, but sounds like it would work well for the 90% mission.

For true 3000nm transcon range you're realistically looking at a supermid cabin - G200, Hawker 1000 or 4000, Falcon 50(EX), Falcon 2000, Citation X, etc.

 

[CorpCaptain]

Hiflyer hit the nail on the head. Lr45XR can still be picked up for a decent price, and can reach West Coast without too much of a problem. Take it non-stop from BNA-SNA consistently. We normally fly it 45-470 and meet reserves. Only downside is Bombardier's middle of the road support. Great plane though.

 

[jonjuan]

Take a look at the CJ4. True 1,950 NM range, direct to 450, LRjet speed, and Citation runway performance, baggage, and service. Probably giving incredible deals right now with short delivery timeline. If you need 3000NM occassionally, get a cheap pre-owned frac share or charter.
http://www.flyingmag.com/pilot-reports/jets/all-grown-cessna-cj4?page=0,0

 

[nwf800]

I forgot to add this in original post they do not want a small cabin and it needs a full lav. They wanted short field performance like 4000 but to get that and range I have only found the sovereign. correct?

 

[BoilerUP]

The Hawker 4000 has more range than the Sovereign.

 

[jonjuan]

I forgot to add this in original post they do not want a small cabin and it needs a full lav. They wanted short field performance like 4000 but to get that and range I have only found the sovereign. correct?

Challenger 300 as well. Are they looking new? If not and they want a big cabin and good field performance, take a look at a Falcon 2000. Decent used for around $10MM.

 

[BoilerUP]

Challenger 300 as well.

That'd be my choice...but HBC is probably damn near giving away new Hawker 4000s and used Sovereigns are in the $10M range.

Stepping up from the very smallest & efficient of Citations to a super-mid cabin aircraft is a BIG leap...

 

[nwf800]

But can the Hawker and challenger get into 4000 feet