Get the newest model you can afford. They just get better every year. Depending on the mission the A or B can work but for me I like and needed the extra payload of the C2.
I would get at least a B model so you get FL310 and quick donning masks.

Funny everybody is talking about the potty. A friend of mine as a Mustang and he didnt use and removed the potty and he use the spot to store bagage and stuff.

Most probably just me. My family has a fluid control problem. Some around these parts have suggested a large mouth gatorade bottle. We have the plastic folgers can.

Jason,

Do you fly your plane for many 200-300 NM trips? What do your profiles look like for short distances?

An appealing aspect of the Mustang compared to the TBM is capital cost in the airplanes equipped with G1000. That means a 2008 or later TBM and comparing asking prices between the two aircraft in that age range the Mustang is much cheaper. This pays for a lot of fuel and operating costs.

I do. I grumble about it though and you will see some threads on here about me trying to find a B55 for those trips. The reality is though, that unless you are a full time pilot, I think it is hard enough to be really well trained on one airplane, much less two. 250-300nm isn't that bad if you are in an area that isn't the NE or SoCal. My 250nm isn't bad as long as I can climb up to 260-280, but if I have to go around/through MOAs, it can be worse.

Everything I just said was true when I was flying the meridian though, so I think it is just the "grass is always greener" mentality. I did a spreadsheet and by the time you compare the cost of owning another airplane, insurance, minimal annual expense, and fuel differential, I would have had to make 4 or 5 trips a month to justify it. That is a lot. Plus, it is really better to keep any airplane flying...

I completely agree with your thought process on the modern cockpit. Cessna did the 510 right, it really feels nice, updated, and roomy.

The mission profiles aren't for everyone though, and I readily acknowledge that. The second engine costs more, just because it is there. But, if you need it, it is there. I also like the fact that the plane rides turbulence really well - even better than the TBM. You can just plow through stuff. Also, climbing out of turbulence is much better at 190-200 KIAS than 140-150.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific mission questions and I will tell you what I do/see.

-jason

I thought all planes that could use a GPU had AC on the ground..... Mine does.

I'm sure jets are quieter but I can easily fly without a headset using the handheld mic and the speaker in the ceiling. I can have normal conversation in the cockpit without a headset. The back is much quieter.

For the money, you can't beat a low hour G1000 mustang on Controller.

The ground AC unit is an option on the KA (an expensive one I think) and I believe the other SETP have a drive off the engine. I could be wrong on the TBM. Marc?

Just make sure any Mustang you pick up is on the programs, hasn't been operated in a corrosive environment (I hear Europe is having some issues with Citations), and clean title. I've seen a couple of low cost models that have been well discussed on some other forums that had some blemishes. Everything is a matter of $ though, so YMMV.

I don't know anything about KA. GPU runs everything on the PC12 as though the engine were running. Can't imagine it's any different in the newer TBM's anyways.

Jason - get the 5 bladed prop for your PC12 and you will see a difference in noise levels + the vibration will also be diminished.

Not according to what I've read. Prop looks awesome but that's about it.

My C2 as electric a/c that I can run on the ground with a gpu. I never do as I have an hangar and dont bother when im on the road.

The newer TBM 850/900 have engine driven a/c, a newer more efficient system.

2012:
Mustang: 38
TBM: 38

2013:
Mustang: 20
TBM: 40

2014Q1-3 (FY projection):
Mustang: 6 (8)
TBM: 33 (44)

Mike C.

Socata just delivered sn 1048 this week, they should deliver another 2 by the end of the year. They are projecting another 50 for 2015.



2012:
Mustang: 38
TBM: 38

2013:
Mustang: 20
TBM: 40

2014Q1-3 (FY projection):
Mustang: 6 (8)
TBM: 33 (44)

Mike C.

2012:
Mustang: 38
TBM: 38

2013:
Mustang: 20
TBM: 40

2014Q1-3 (FY projection):
Mustang: 6 (8)
TBM: 33 (44)

Mike C.

Not according to what I've read. Prop looks awesome but that's about it.

Serial # 1497 being delivered to the dealer.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N497 ... /KBJC/KOJC

Amazing to me how easily these fetch 4.7 million.