That's where I messed up on the last one. I wanted to lay eyes on it and should have moved more quickly. I was comfortable enough with it after talking with the owner and broker. Any big items would be covered in the PPI and would give me an out if it was grossly misrepresented.

All Garrett-powered planes have increased in value last 2 years. Especially Commanders and MU-2's. Used to be able to find 690's for sub-$450K with decent times, today that's almost impossible. I can't find a single one at Controller. And if you do find one, they need big items fixed pronto, or have -5's that need HSI's etc.

That's where I messed up on the last one. I wanted to lay eyes on it and should have moved more quickly. I was comfortable enough with it after talking with the owner and broker. Any big items would be covered in the PPI and would give me an out if it was grossly misrepresented.

For someone looking for this class of aircraft don't forget to take a look at the Merlin series. I am going on 5 trouble free years. The Merlin is as stout an aircraft as has ever been built with no inflight breakups to date. They have dual one piece wing spar. The cabin is larger than the other Garrett powered aircraft and has a higher pressure differential (7 psi). Range to go nonstop. Built in Texas.

For someone looking for this class of aircraft don't forget to take a look at the Merlin series. I am going on 5 trouble free years. The Merlin is as stout an aircraft as has ever been built with no inflight breakups to date. They have dual one piece wing spar. The cabin is larger than the other Garrett powered aircraft and has a higher pressure differential (7 psi). Range to go nonstop. Built in Texas.

Stewart, there are 4 letter checks (A-D) that are supposed to be done every 200 hours or 12 months. Some break this down too where they do two at a time as opposed to all four. For a typical private flyer, this amounts to roughly the equivalent of an annual. I know some operators that fly much more and they have an approved program slightly different but what I mentioned is the starting point.


As you know, the Metro fleet is a workhorse aircraft and AD's that come up there also often apply to the Merlin. I have not found any of them to be invasive or onerous.

Yes it is a pretty big plane which adds to the high comfort value for those who travel far with it.

Tom you started this thread in April of 2013 looking for an MU2 and you sold the aircraft after a few years of ownership. Was your ownership experience not up to your expectations? Why did you sell? I myself am starting down the road of an MU2 purchase would enjoy having your feedback.
Thanks
Tom Shelton

Tom moved up to a jet....tough life.

Still would like to have Tom tell us about his ownership experience with a plane that always provokes a debate here.

I really enjoyed my MU2! It was 100% reliable and did exactly what I asked it to do. If I needed to go back to a TP, I would not hesitate buying a nice MU2.

My business is evolving a bit, requiring a few more west coast trips each year as well as Cleveland to Florida several times per month. I wanted something faster and higher. I was already typed in the Beechjet and all of the cards fell in place.

Thanks for the response Tom .. I am also traveling from NE Ohio 4-5 times a year to south Florida , hopefully the Solitaire can do it non stop . Best wishes

It should be able to do 95% of the time. It would take some horrendous headwinds and bad destination weather to make you stop.

Looking forward to the 7 year compliance inspection on the 4 blade props coming up this spring. Any recent positive prop shop experiences to share?

Jerry

I had my props done by a shop out of Destin Florida I think (props were pulled by Carolina Turbine while plane was in for a 100 hour. I just left the plane there for two weeks and everything was done when I picked it up).

Great service and what I thought was a very, very reasonable price. Did not have to replace any blades.

What was the price David?