Lufthansa is still ordering planes with ashtrays in common areas. Perhaps they plan to offer time travel services.

That's what these are for!

That is one serious PITA. If you own a GV with full-time pilot crew who has to handle this type of task, perhaps this wouldn't bother you. However, in a single pilot aircraft meant to be flown by the owner, this is insanity.

That would annoy the living crap out of me.

I trust you've been plenty vocal to Pilatus / Honeywell on this subject?

I thought this was a silly FAA requirement? Having an ashtray around every lavatory. I wanted to get rid of mine when redoing the interior but was told it was mandatory...even listed on the MEL.

All five of my ashtrays were removed with the new interior! I saved about 2 lbs in weight.

It has some comparable numbers to an Excel, which starts at $12,950,000. It's not quite as strong, but it's within shooting distance. That's getting into Cessna's bread and butter.

Getting into the jet business hasn't always worked out for manufacturers. This is usually followed by a large sucking sound, that is thier PC12 profits flying away.

Efficiency and single pilot automation are key. The only companies offering this are Embraer and Pilatus. I think they can sell some planes.

the Cargo door will make a huge difference for owner-operators.

Jason, when is yours coming?

Pretty sure the Cessna M2 and even the mid size jets are headed to single pilot ops.
Also, how are is Pilatus or Cessna going to get past the FAA O2 mask requirements at high altitudes? Something about a pilot always being on O2 or something like that. Anyone know the details?

Tim

Pretty sure the Cessna M2 and even the mid size jets are headed to single pilot ops.
Also, how are is Pilatus or Cessna going to get past the FAA O2 mask requirements at high altitudes? Something about a pilot always being on O2 or something like that. Anyone know the details?

Tim

Is there something stopping you from flying an M2 off a dirt strip?

Yes, M2 will be competitive also.

Never heard of this 02 requirement you guys are talking about. But even if it is real and you're the only pilot on board, who is gonna know?

Reads well and looks the go. Plenty of dirt to land it on down under. This has always been why the king airs and PC 12's have sold like hot cakes in Australia.

Hope they do well and sell a bucket load.

I was getting all excited and then saw 2017. Oh well suppose I can wait.

Above FL 350 for flight crews. Pilot remaining must have on. Used to be FL 250. To those that have gone to the decompression chamber, seems like a good idea. Many corporate operators still require above FL250 even though regs state the above.
I've had a mask not fit well at FL250 and one can lose perspective pretty quickly.

Best,

Dave