other than the fact that it is new and made of plastic, can someone explain why the Extra 500 costs 2X what a Cessna Silver Eagle converted by O & N does? Essentially same engine, about the same fuel flows, about the same speed and a very nice one with new touch screen Garmin units for sale today at 800K. Oh, and no shoulder room issues and Cessna still makes parts. I wish them success but I really do not see the value equation here.

RAS

Because it's not an old airplane.

Because i wouldn't be caught dead in a Silver Eagle.

Cabin looks way nicer than a Silver Eagle, but I do think Silver Eagles are pretty cool. Plus it's new and I'd bet a lot stronger.

No matter what those guys say, that extra 500 is already 10+ years on the market.

You might be if you try to fly one.

You might be if you try to fly one.

If you recall the Extra 500 concept was first launched in the middle of VLJ mania. The aviation press knocked it's speed and it's then $1.5mil price becaue the soon to be released VLJ boasted 320 kts and $1.2 mil price. Extra shelved the launch based on lack of interest. All those VLJ's failed to make it to market and have gone the way of the Dodo bird. Also since then Baron, TBM and Meridian prices have increased and 100LL is at risk. Extra 500 timing is better this time around. Age of design means nothing. If it did no one would fly a Beechcraft.

I don't think it's possible for any of these small companies to survive selling low volume, big ticket items, especially in this atmosphere. Your airplane is worthless if they don't support it. Just that chance alone would kill resale.

Look at what happened to Eclipse owners back in far better times....and these guys are tiny in comparison. Eclipse came back because there's a profitable business in supporting it's 300 deliveries. What if these guys go down after 5 deliveries....they're currently sitting on none!

To compare it to the Meridian, the list on a brand new Meridian is about 20% more. Actual acquisition price may be lower, because a 2011 Meridian with 150 TT lists at only $1.8 million. The Meridian is a 260 kt, FL300, 1000 nm range aircraft. Like the Extra, it's a tight squeeze getting between the seats and into the left seat. Once there, it's not bad. One of my college teammates owns a Meridan, and he's 6' 5", 320 lbs. He has to bull through the seats, but is ok once seated.

Exactly 1 year ago, they announced that they would produce in Montrose, CO . Seemed an odd choice at the time.

Has there been any change in plans since ?

I don't know what it is but I just can't get into the Meridian even if you could get a 2011 for $1.8 million. When I sit in them, I feel like it's smaller than my Bonanza. At least the cockpit is. And I don't like the materials used and yoke and the dash. Everything just seems so cheap.

I also haven't decided if it looks worse climbing on the wing to get into a plane or squeezing between those seats of the Meridian to get up into the cockpit. I'm 190lbs and had trouble. Can't imagine someone 320lbs flying one of those things.

I don't know what it is but I just can't get into the Meridian even if you could get a 2011 for $1.8 million. When I sit in them, I feel like it's smaller than my Bonanza. At least the cockpit is. And I don't like the materials used and yoke and the dash. Everything just seems so cheap.

I also haven't decided if it looks worse climbing on the wing to get into a plane or squeezing between those seats of the Meridian to get up into the cockpit. I'm 190lbs and had trouble. Can't imagine someone 320lbs flying one of those things.

Here's an article where Klapmeir's Kestrel will be revamping Meridians. Upgrades include a 3-panel R9 integrated glass system. It appears to me that you could buy a 2006 era 800 hour Meridian, and after upgrades, be sitting under $1,100,000. That might be the better value on what's out there.

http://aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main. ... 90d9190908

I wonder if the R9 upgrade is only for early Avidyne replacement and not possible to upgrade the older Meggit panels? If so, you'd have to buy an '06 or newer. Klapmeir is smart, and he must be seeing opportunity. Besides, it's not a bad idea to be building single turbine relationships for his upcoming Kestrel sales.

I am not terribly concerned with how it looks when I get into either a fun car or a plane.

Squeezing between the seats is a problem on charter planes where the pilot has to squeeze his butt past the paying passengers on the way back from the door. It is one of the reasons the PC-12 and the TBM are available with a crew door. Alone on business or with family, I just dont see the indignity of taking 2 steps up on the wing or squeezing between the seats (many owners take out one of the middle row seats in the PA46 as you dont have enough payload for 5 pax anyway).