I think these planes are sometimes hit or miss. Some seem to be unreliable and sketchy and others are ok. I hope I have the later. So far so good.

Congratulations on the type rating. How about some pictures? I am also a little curious about the insurance. How much experience is required to get insured in one of these airplanes?

Jimmy Elza

Congratulations!

Please elaborate on the IFR in the Flight Levels comment. I am heading in that direction shortly.

Congrats!

I'm envious.

If you're ever in the NC area, I'll happily buy some Jet A for a ride in that thing. Despite all of the problems over the years, I've been in love with these things since the day I saw their first promo video during the development phase.

Jimmy-
You can be insured in an Eclipse or any other MEL turbine airplane with a Private/MEL and low time. Lower time and no prior turbine time may drive some mentor requirements. There is no minimum for insurance it just drives how much if any mentor time you will need after the initial training/type.

I have limited time in both versions of this airplane (Avidyne and IFMS). The IFMS is not as good as the Garmin G3X in my Searey nor is it as good as my Ipad running Garmin Pilot.

Equally, the IFMS plane seemed to display lots of CAS (crew alerting system) messages complaining of Phantom faults. The Avidyne plane doesn't seem to have any of these gremlins. The IFMS moving map reminded me of an airliner seat back screen and the FMS portion of it is difficult and awkward although it does work.

With the Ipad on the lap showing ADSB weather and traffic and the 796 on the dash, the only thing I really am missing is a working radar (it's in the nose just not hooked up to anything) and an autopilot that couples.

For the cost savings (at least half a million), I think the Avidyne plane is a good value as long as I don't experience the near death experiences TR seemed to have had in his.

I had no problem getting insurance in this thing with only 2200 hours, 300 multi (ATP) and basically no turbine time.

Mike

Thanks for sharing the pictures. That is a great looking airplane.

Jimmy Elza

"the fuel costs don't seem to be too much more than the Baron."


Of course we all know you are just rehearsing your lines so you can sound convincing when your wife asks the question! Its standard airplane upgrade procedure.

Patrick

Here is another one: but dear, jet fuel is so much cheaper than avgas......

Congratulations!

Please elaborate on the IFR in the Flight Levels comment. I am heading in that direction shortly.

Got to actually think about staying under 250kts under 10k or 200kts under class b airspace.

Mike[/quote]

How awful, I feel so sorry for you...

PNF (or single PF) calls out "ten thousand" PF responds: "lights and speed" (exterior lights on and IAS below 250). Make it a habit and you'll remind yourself.

congrats to you. be sure to call when you want some good training/annual recurrent.
what is your s/n? I probably did the initial testing on it.
Kent Ewing
1750 hours...former DFO at Eclipse 2006-2008

32, have you flown her?

Thanks for the offer.

Great.

Mike

Congrats Michael!

I agree they are fantastic airplanes for their mission. I nearly ended up with one. Flew several of them.

Have you had the chance to compare costs on the same trips between your Baron and your Eclipse? I calculated (napkin math) Chicago to east coast, the Eclipse was only slightly more expensive fuel wise, with a faster trip time. Probably the same as a 166 gallon Baron on max endurance.

When you have a chance, please post your thoughts on operating costs (fuel, fees, etc) on the sane route -vs- your Baron.

Thanks,



Warren