I truly enjoyed flying with Shawn for my initial. He is an excellent instructor!

Glad to know we have some options. My recurrent is due in February.

Flew Denver to LA today in the Solitaire. Smooth but strong headwinds up high. Flew at 200 to stay out of most of them. Fuel burns were about 90gph but at least I could true out at 310kts. The bench seat is a family favorite. For the money, I am not sure how you beat these planes.

Also, calculated that in my first 200 hours I have averaged 2.95 for jet A which is not bad considering my home base is 3.80. Take out those bills and I am at 2.60 per gallon. CAA has really paid off for me. Those prices include all parking, etc. I just took total gallons pumped divided into the total paid.

Nice Anthony. Looks like the wife is all settled in. Mines in for 600 hour. Hopefully have it back in a couple of weeks.

I have a similar photo from my trip a few days ago in my commander. Three of my teenage kids along with the wife and one of the dogs. I think the combo of the couch and high wing is a winning combination on these airplanes.

LA to Chicago, non stop 1580 miles 5.4hrs landed with 650lbs.

Awesome pic Steve. Your plane has 475 gallons, right? What altitude and fuel flows were you at for that flight? Agree on couches.

I am normally at FL280 or FL270. At those altitudes my fuel burn using go fast speeds is normally around 440lbs per hour. Long range setting will naturally be lower that.

I sure do love these airplanes !
I even went to PROP.

You should not forget about Twin Commander University every two years. It's not free but lots of good insider information and some great people.

It will be in San Antonio around april or march not sure of exact date.

I keep telling myself I need to give PROP a try. Besides it would be fun to fly my commander to the event.

Like a camel in the desert....

I'm seeing a tad higher 480 lbs, 97% and 307 kts @ FL250-260 most summer days in the Solitaire. Keep the temps below 640 all the time. Sleeping kids on the bench is a familiar sight for me too.

Did my initial with Jerry at Reece Howell's outfit and had a great experience. Will probably try a different instructor to learn different perspectives next recurrent in April.

Maybe that's some of the difference, I use 96% although my prop sync likes 97% and I am always as high as I can get.

Why not run yours at FL270 or FL280? If the flights over 60 minutes I go high.

Enjoying the ride...

Prop sync does move things around a bit. I'll give it a nudge up to 270-280 and compare fuel flows.

Jerry

I guess I completely missed the boat on the MU2s. Reading around on BT I got the impression 300 to 350k would buy a decent short body as long as it wasn't -10 powered. Same with 690 Commanders. I missed an M model recently because I couldn't get down to see it quickly enough (probably should have bought unseen, it was that nice). Beyond that the field looks thoroughly picked over. I think I have a better chance of capturing a unicorn.

If I wait will one come up? Or has that opportunity gone?

On a side note, I'm considering B100 King Airs. More plane than I want to haul around but Garrett powered and appear to be reasonably bought even some with -10s. Still learning about them though. A few threads on BT but many of those turn into a Pratt vs. Garrett debate. Anybody with ownership experience on them?

I think you will find something if you are ready to jump on the right deal. There will always be those moving up, moving down or getting out of it. I sold my beautiful Marquise last Summer. I put it on Controller and got the phone call that sold it after 30 minutes.

A friend just bought an awesome short body MU2 with g500 for 350k. There are lots of deals, you just have to seek them out.