How many seat belts for a total seat count?

How many seat belts for a total seat count?

How many seat belts for a total FAA seat count?

If it were a 551 it would be long gone, or at a higher price for sure, probably both. It’s just tough to make the numbers work unless you’ve got a pilot spouse or just love this plane. It’s super nice, and such an affordable price. I’m sure someone will be along shortly who’s able to crunch the numbers.

For the 500 versus 501, yes, you would be right since the 501 has no compromises over the 500 and is single pilot.

For the 550 versus 551, the issue is not as clear. The 551 has reduced weight which affects range or payload capability. The 550 requires the SPE for single pilot operation. So either choice has negatives.

The SPE is not difficult to get, you simply have to train single pilot and pass the checkride single pilot (which is what you have to do to fly the 501 or 551). It is one day more and a few $K more than the 61.58 for the sim schools, and basically no extra time and maybe a little more money for in airplane training.

The main stumbling block is the entrance requirements for the SPE, namely commercial or better, 1000 total, 500 turbine. If you don't have those numbers (or are close enough to them such that you can mentor to them), then it is an issue.

There are increasing rumors the FAA is going to overhaul the SPE system soon, likely creating an CE-500S single pilot type rating in the process. Whether that materially changes the access to the part 25 (2 pilot) Citations is TBD. Such a change would be a great thing for the value of these airplanes, assuming the FAA doesn't frack it up in some way.

It may be the case picking up a 550 cheaply now is a great deal since you got ahead of the value increase a CE-500S type rating might create.

Mike C.

10 belted seats total

For the 500 versus 501, yes, you would be right since the 501 has no compromises over the 500 and is single pilot.

For the 550 versus 551, the issue is not as clear. The 551 has reduced weight which affects range or payload capability. The 550 requires the SPE for single pilot operation. So either choice has negatives.

The SPE is not difficult to get, you simply have to train single pilot and pass the checkride single pilot (which is what you have to do to fly the 501 or 551). It is one day more and a few $K more than the 61.58 for the sim schools, and basically no extra time and maybe a little more money for in airplane training.

The main stumbling block is the entrance requirements for the SPE, namely commercial or better, 1000 total, 500 turbine. If you don't have those numbers (or are close enough to them such that you can mentor to them), then it is an issue.

There are increasing rumors the FAA is going to overhaul the SPE system soon, likely creating an CE-500S single pilot type rating in the process. Whether that materially changes the access to the part 25 (2 pilot) Citations is TBD. Such a change would be a great thing for the value of these airplanes, assuming the FAA doesn't frack it up in some way.

It may be the case picking up a 550 cheaply now is a great deal since you got ahead of the value increase a CE-500S type rating might create.

Mike C.

Hey Mike,

Off topic - but I’m one of the guys flying Texans at X60 this week. Is that Citation III yours? Are you moving into those as well?

I’ve got the white Texan with checkerboard cowling and rudder.

Thanks,

Zeke Valtz

Yes that’s ours! I wish you said hi today. 650 is a neat machine. I thought it was WWII today.

Coincidentally I heard you today too Mike... From Texas!!!

Coincidentally I heard you today too Zeke... From Texas!!! via phone

I wan’t sure that was you. - and didn’t want to intrude.

I’ve always liked the C-III. When i was a kid, we toured the Cessna factory and saw the prototype Citation III sitting in the hangar with a flight test boom getting ready for first flight.

The formation clinic has been lots of fun. A great group of people and interesting and rewarding flying.

Best wishes,

Zeke

I dropped the price.

Still for sale, you couldn't recreate this bird for this price!

It may be the case picking up a 550 cheaply now is a great deal since you got ahead of the value increase a CE-500S type rating might create.Mike C.