I'm in process of completing my pilot certificate and looking to buy a plane. My mission takes me over the Washington Cascades from the Seattle area into the Tri-cities a couple of times a month, typically 2 but could often be 4 persons. For now it will be VFR but I want to get my instrument rating as the weather between the Seattle area, over the Cascades, and into Eastern Washington is quite changeable.

I've been looking at Diamond DA40's, Cirrus SR22 and most recently at the Bonanza F33A. I would appreciate your thoughts and what specifically to look for in a Bonanza IFR rated plane.
Thanks!
RJ /

Those are all good options

One tack would be pick a model and seek it out.

Another option (that I would recommend) Look for good planes that are easily accessible to you and by the first well-priced, well-maintained one you find. Regardless of model

Hi, RJ. I think you're going to find that the weight of your potential 4 passengers is going to have a big say in whether or not you can do this trip in any of those planes. If it's IFR in the winter, you probably won't be flying that trip as clouds are likely going to mean ice, and that's probably a no-go.

The Cirrus probably has the best chance of making that trip with 4 people. With anti-ice you have a tool to get out of icing, though most people will advise you that it's not good enough to reliably fly through anything but light icing. The DA40 probably won't do the trip; it just doesn't have enough useful load.

Flying in mountainous areas, you're probably going to want a turbocharged/turbonormalized engine. Maybe 2 of them.

I think the SR22T is really your only option of the 3 you have on the list. That is if you want something that you can count on to make many of the trips happen. However as others have mentioned it may still be tough depending on the time of the year. If this was me and I had the budget I would be looking to get a turbo twin, great anti ice protection. Best of luck to you!

I am completely open to other aircraft recommendations. I don't have a need to fly in know icing conditions, especially during the winter months when the Cascades are know to be brutal in that regard.

The local Cirrus folks tell me turbocharged would be overkill as I don't need to approach the FL altitudes. They did echo the need to have the horsepower of a SR22 verses the SR20. The SR20 could struggle in climbs to altitude with the headwinds over the mountains.

I have an NA powered Mooney and have no problems crossing the Cascades. Other aircraft you MIGHT want to consider depending on how large those 4 people are:

Mooney (useful load of 850 to 1000+ so be sure to ask). My '78 J has a UL of 1003. KRNT to KPSC is 152 NM. For me that is about 1+10 block to block and a burn of 11.5 gallons.

Piper Comanche 250. From what I've heard, they can haul a lot of weight.

Best of luck.

Maybe they’re right. What’s the best rate of climb of a fully loaded SR22 at 8-12,000’, and how’s it compare to the SR22T? Those are the MEAs along that route, and you’ll want some performance reserve to deal with mountain winds, weather, etc.

RJ-- I think you forgot the most basic question: "How much money do you have?" Buying an airplane is just the start of your commitment. You should consider maintenance costs, annual inspections, hangar rent, insurance, cost to stay proficient, fuel, oil, and all that. When you add all that up you'll find - even for a C-172 - that you're on the hook for $250 per flying hour.

Saratoga with boots, Turbo maybe or maybe not?

Hourly cost depends on how much we fly. The operating cost for our Mooney is about $80/hr. Our fixed cost is about $10,000/year. At 10 hours/year that's $1080/hr. At 100 hours/yr it drops to $180/hr.

This Right Here RJ!................ If Your Paying attention,........... Re-read what John Says

Whats Your Budget? Buy the Newest Airplane You can Afford

I live in the Tri-Cities, My Dad flew an A36 Back and forth to work from Tri-Cities to Seattle Daily/ Weekly for business, Year around 1970-1978, five years in a V-Tail and Three Years in the A36

My Point You Ask? You wanna Fly Year around? Many Birds can do this Trip Daily, and Safely and without being Turbo Charged, just Buy the newest Bird You can Find

And You'll Fly instead of Waiting for Parts/Repairs

Now Tell us Your Budget, and will Give You Options

Sidney

If it were me and I had the money/ME Rating, I would go for a 56TC Baron or a Duke. Just saying

This Right Here RJ!................ If Your Paying attention,........... Re-read what John Says

Whats Your Budget? Buy the Newest Airplane You can Afford

I live in the Tri-Cities, My Dad flew an A36 Back and forth to work from Tri-Cities to Seattle Daily/ Weekly for business, Year around 1970-1978, five years in a V-Tail and Three Years in the A36

My Point You Ask? You wanna Fly Year around? Many Birds can do this Trip Daily, and Safely and without being Turbo Charged, just Buy the newest Bird You can Find

And You'll Fly instead of Waiting for Parts/Repairs

Now Tell us Your Budget, and will Give You Options

Sidney

What's your budget for operating costs?