BeechTalk - BT - The greatest single engine airplane of them all?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 08:12

Looking at maintenance costs and insurance costs, I would probably opt for a 206 over aa 210 today if I was to give up my 182.

If I was younger with a large budget a Malibu would probably be in my sites.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 08:29

I'll vote for the 182.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 08:40

Username Protected wrote:

I don't have much Bonanza time, but have thousands of hours in my C182. It'll take 3 180 lbs pax 750 miles with an hour reserve and still have enough left over for your toothbrush, if you share it!

But my wife and I are often the only ones on board. Then we can go 87 gallons usable, using 12 GPH at high cruise, and true about 148 TAS. That's a range of 925 miles with an hour reserve, and we've done that quite a few times. Now IF you can catch a 92 knot tailwind, the eastbound trip goes by quick!

CT

How in the world do you get 148kts out of a 182 burning 12gph? I’m honestly curious. Every 182 I’ve flown or owned was slower and thirstier.

Someone mentioned a 205. I have one. It wins for practical usefulness and efficiency, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want a turbo’ed 206!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 09:02

I lean to 11.5 GPH in my 182 at around 5,500 feet, but never get much over 135 in TAS.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 09:09

This....

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 10:36

Mooney Ovation 2/3, best bang for the buck.

Some have A/C, some have great glass, long range tanks and upgraded interiors.

Only downsides are: no parachute, leaky fuel tanks, gear pucks R&R after 6-8 years, not built for big people.

Butch

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 17:43

Might not be the greatest, but the cheapest plane to fill that mission would be a Pa28-235…

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 18:06

750 nm with 3 people onboard needs a certain amount of speed. Probably depends on the person, but I am wanting at least 200 KTAS. Especially with headwinds.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 18:47

Username Protected wrote:

I have owned 37 airplanes and the one I love the most is the last P210 made. Dual intercooled, long range tanks, pressurized and fast with the new wing. Wish I still had it?

I love my P210! It hauls volume, it hauls mass, and it hauls ass. And it does all that for a long way too.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 19:43

Username Protected wrote:

182 is a great choice, though most would be a bit challenged to do 750nm with 3 people on an average day with reserves.

I usually prefer the wheels in the proper places…

Phil

182RG will, NP. …And the wheels retract to their proper places.

*By all means I’m not saying it’s the “greatest single engine airplane”. Especially since I’ve always dreamed of a Bonanza. Although the 182RG doesn’t do anything the greatest, it does a lot of things quite well.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 20:00

The 4 seat Mustang:
https://www.mustangsmustangs.com/p-51/who/case/198

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 21:39

the greatest single engine plane of all time, is the one you can afford to fly...

Don't overlook the slower planes, they allow you to enjoy the flight for longer.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Jul 2024, 22:03

Username Protected wrote:

an airplane that’s capable of comfortably carrying at least 3 people on a 750 mile trip or more. In other words real transportation. I’m not talking about turboprops or jets either but something that is more in line with the average private pilot.

A36 with TAT TN and tip tanks. Very capable x-country plane and will do that mission easily.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Jul 2024, 10:49

Without question the 182. It has it all, safety, reliability, easy to fly, hauls a good load, good range, fast enough, and you can fly it until you lose your medical. Look at the statistics for it. It has a low engine failure rate and one of the lowest fatal accident rates of any airplane. The engine is not insane to overhaul and any shop can work on it. It will even run MO gas which is a huge cost savings. Further, you don't need air-conditioning unless you cannot tolerate any temperature above 72 degrees for a few minutes. With the high wing you sit in the shade, you can throw the side windows open on the ground and get plenty of moving air and once above 3000ft you will be in 70 degree and cooler comfort and do not have to heft around an AC.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Jul 2024, 10:58

If we are talking factory built, unmodified as-delivered - then I have always thought the S35 was the pinnacle of single-engine piston-powered plane design