Mike T knows better but I believe A decent SP citation is currently 500k+

Mentioned, countered and debated.

...and you don't want to know the price for a good pilot or pilots happens to be now!

They are way more than $300k nowadays but assuming the OP is willing to put in the training time I agree completely and a 501SP will fill this mission in spades. Definitely limo feel. Price/NM is higher than a TP (way higher than a TPE bird, less for a PW) but you get there faster and I sincerely believe it is much safer than a piston or TP. Engine failures are a non-event. You can idle an engine and the AP won't even disengage. You can dial in some rudder trim if you're feeling generous. My plane does not have thrust reversers or power brakes. I have 2 levers and that's it. Not great for contaminated runways but simple to operate. It flies like a 365kt 182.

I went down this same path last year researching what to move up from an SR22. Started w/ 421C, then 441, then MU-2, and finally to a 501SP. No regrets at all.

Looks like Tarver deleted the price but recently sold this one. Was it $550k?
viewtopic.php?f=51&t=205382

You know what guys (like me), who need a TP but can’t afford it, do? They buy a Meridian or Jetprop. Your use indicates 200-250 hours per year. If you are frugal you can operate a Meridian or Jetprop for $600/hour plus capital and depreciation (appreciation?).

You know what guys (like me), who need a TP but can’t afford it, do? They buy a Meridian or Jetprop. Your use indicates 200-250 hours per year. If you are frugal you can operate a Meridian or Jetprop for $600/hour plus capital and depreciation (appreciation?).[/quote]

or you buy and F model MU2 which has much less up front capitol cost, is a twin, and has a bigger cabin and more full fuel cabin load. I can put 950lbs in the cabin of my plane with full fuel, pretty sure you can't do that with either PA46. Shorter wingspan too if that is a consideration. Talk to Mike C. about his costs over his 10yr + MU2 ownership.

They are way more than $300k nowadays but assuming the OP is willing to put in the training time I agree completely and a 501SP will fill this mission in spades. Definitely limo feel. Price/NM is higher than a TP (way higher than a TPE bird, less for a PW) but you get there faster and I sincerely believe it is much safer than a piston or TP. Engine failures are a non-event. You can idle an engine and the AP won't even disengage. You can dial in some rudder trim if you're feeling generous. My plane does not have thrust reversers or power brakes. I have 2 levers and that's it. Not great for contaminated runways but simple to operate. It flies like a 365kt 182.

I went down this same path last year researching what to move up from an SR22. Started w/ 421C, then 441, then MU-2, and finally to a 501SP. No regrets at all.

Looks like Tarver deleted the price but recently sold this one. Was it $550k?
viewtopic.php?f=51&t=205382

A Piper Jetprop conversion is a zero-passenger plane. Many of them can only carry a toothbrush with full tanks. It's not appropriate for a pilot + 5 passenger mission.

https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all ... %20payload.

Now, a Jetprop Commander would hit the sweet spot for this mission dead center.
https://twincommander.com/models/ac690c/

Same here, that’s my desired upgrade path. My friend did something similar but he bought a 510 Mustang so his initial capital expense is much higher.

This is not true.

Although there are Jetprops with double-digit useful loads when fully fueled ... 160 gallons will take you a long way. Even the portliest jet props do fine when you offload 500 lbs of fuel.

The earlier conversions also are lighter and often have 300-400 lb full fuel useful loads.

Also, it has been widespread practice from day 1 to fly these aircraft grossly over gross. Many people, understandably, look elsewhere for that reason but neither the FAA, insurers, nor the laws of physics have yet to smite anyone.

That said, I agree that neither the jetprop nor any other 500hp airplane is good for moving 5 adults long distances.

This pilot loaded 4 people, 2 dogs, bags, and enough fuel to *try* to fly 800+nm into a JetProp DLX. I think the laws of physics won this one, with an assist from Darwin.
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/225921 "The aircraft experienced an in-flight break up "

While browsing the NTSB files I found an alarming number of crashes following engine stoppages (over 1% of the fleet.)

It's not the plane for me.

This pilot loaded 4 people, 2 dogs, bags, and enough fuel to *try* to fly 800+nm into a JetProp DLX. I think the laws of physics won this one, with an assist from Darwin.
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/225921 "The aircraft experienced an in-flight break up "

While browsing the NTSB files I found an alarming number of crashes following engine stoppages (over 1% of the fleet.)

It's not the plane for me.

Well, I don't know how to edit my original post, but maybe the topic should read: Best plane for 4 people, 600nm. It seems that 5-6 people is a tipping point that drives a massive step change in costs.

I think my original intent exceeds my finances. One option for us is simply to limit who travels GA. I can have junior staff fly commercial as necessary. If we cut this down to a 4-seater mission, with all else staying the same, does this simply become an SR-22 or DA-62 thread?

Vic

Vic, if it's any comfort....my entire flying career has been where my "wants" exceed my budget.


I've been lucky, got to fly some great stuff...but I'm stuck at the baron/Bonanza level.


I've found little that will do more....for less money, than a Baron or a Bonanza.



stan

Meets the "limo" description to a T, but I have not seen a 441 that will actually do 330 knots, at least ours will not. Most do have a hard sliding door that more or less closes and a flushing toilet.

I view a 441 as basically a B200 with the roof smashed down 6 inches, which apart from the obviously lower headroom also gets you where you want to go faster and on less fuel and with greater range. But when you are sitting down it's a very luxurious 6 seater and economical to boot. An oversimplification, but from a passenger standpoint that's the practicalities of it. Ramp appeal is no contest in favor of the King Air, if that is important.