BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 12:50

I climbed around in a SF50 yesterday at Provo. They are going to sell a lot of these. I was very impressed with the cockpit and cabin size. The cockpit was way bigger and more comfortable than a PA46. It’s really a 5 seater and the back corner seats are very small and just for kids.

There are a lot of great things about this plane and if the price is really $2M then it will sell. The ergonomics are like not other aircraft. I am now a fan after seeing it.

The pilot Jason was super cool and very willing to take people up for a demo. I say anyone that has anything negative to say about this plane needs to go fly one now. Cirrus has done an amazing job and they deserve everyone to keep an open mind until you see it.

Mike

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 12:55

Mike P.,

Thanks for the report; it is consistent with the many others who have seen the plane in person or flown in one.

"Open mind" is not something that comes easily for some folks...

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 13:10

Username Protected wrote:

Nah, it falls short of what it should be! Just think what a second engine can do! You avoid the bend in the airflow, you can climb much higher, the engines cost less.... All of which makes the plane more efficient, more useful. As it is, the SF50 is a crippled jet which is limited by the regulations and engineering realities of applying "piston" thinking to a jet. The physics change when dealing with jets (I am still not sure how the airplane's airfoil knows the power source, but I digress).

Tim

I still have yet to see how 2 engines cost less than 1.

If this is true, how come all the 2 engine minijets are so much more expensive than the SF50?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 13:16

Username Protected wrote:

I still have yet to see how 2 engines cost less than 1.

If this is true, how come all the 2 engine minijets are so much more expensive than the SF50?

Of course because they are following "Jet think"

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 13:47

Username Protected wrote:

The physics change when dealing with jets

Yes, you can now legally claim to be rotating at takeoff.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 14:40

Username Protected wrote:

I still have yet to see how 2 engines cost less than 1.

If this is true, how come all the 2 engine minijets are so much more expensive than the SF50?

Because of liability! With two engines, the engine manufacturer has lower liability insurance. And everyone knows, liability insurance is 2/3 of the price. Just ask McDonald's on the price of "hot" coffee in the drive through.

Tim

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 15:08

Username Protected wrote:

I still have yet to see how 2 engines cost less than 1.

If this is true, how come all the 2 engine minijets are so much more expensive than the SF50?

Because of liability! With two engines, the engine manufacturer has lower liability insurance. And everyone knows, liability insurance is 2/3 of the price. Just ask McDonald's on the price of "hot" coffee in the drive through.

Tim

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 17:00

Quote:

It’s really a 5 seater and the back corner seats are very small and just for kids.

If only the target market included people with grandchildren

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 17:50

Username Protected wrote:

Quote:

It’s really a 5 seater and the back corner seats are very small and just for kids.

If only the target market included people with grandchildren

Well we know one thing for absolute certainty: they didn’t market it for engineer types

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 17:55

Username Protected wrote:

Well we know one thing for absolute certainty: they didn’t market it for engineer types

I would say they have, most engineers see the big picture and on balance it's an attractive concept to own and keep. Maybe it's more accurate to say they didn't market it to "real jet pilots".

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Dec 2017, 20:46

Well I started off on the wrong foot and told the lead engineer at Cirrus that it looked like a pregnant guppy at the COPA reveal in 2008, and like most engineers I lack the discipline to keep my mouth shut.

I have a horse in the race as I supply and I also consult on the jet on a regular basis.

Therefore I spend a lot of time in, around and on the SF50 Jet. I come away from Duluth impressed most every time with the aircraft. From ease of maintenance access, to the simplicity of the systems and the ease of flight.

I do know the Banana from the BS

I enjoy the comments from people who have experienced the aircraft - they ring true.