There are a surprising number of used jets for sale at quite reasonable prices. Hmmm.

What is the best jet I could buy that would replace an MU2? That's not an easy metric to meet.

The criteria are:
- single pilot
- 2+4 seats, 2+6 preferred
- at least 1200 nm range
- at least 1000 lbs cabin load carried 1200 nm
- able to operate from 3400 ft grass strip (perhaps with reduced weight)
- economical to operate and maintain
- at least 350 knots, close to 400 would be nice

I am willing to trade some cruise speed to get a jet with short runway manners. Being able to use short runways translates into mission speed by landing closer to objective. The grass runway is a specific example airport I'd like to use.

Swept wing not desired.

Getting more modern engines with reduced fuel flow would be desired. JT-15s aren't attractive.

Nothing too weird (no Paris Jet, warbirds, experimentals, etc).

Nice basic, short runway business jet.

Ideally, $500K buys it, but perhaps up to $1M. Above that, starts to be difficult.

What are my options?

Mike C.

Mike, not to hijack the thread, but what's prompting the move from the MU2?

He took to heart "props are for boats". You have to want a jet, it makes absolutely zero sense unless your mission has changed drastically or you have money to burn. Sure is fun though. Owned 50% of a a Citation II for a few years, great plane.

Mike
There aren't many jets that meet your requirements. CJs and the Premier are the only SP jets that will do what you need. The Premier will do the 400+ kts the CJs in the mid 350s. A Sierra converted CII wil meet your needs. If you are serious about a CJ make sure its on an engine program otherwise you can scrap the plane at TBO.

Not much, just wondering if there is anything that works and what it would cost.

Mike C.

Premiere swept wing, so not really good on short runways.


Yes, thinking that may be an option.


That comment requires further explanation.

Mike C.

A Citation 500 series with the Williams motors is the only thing possible and may not work with the cost requirement.

It doesn't meet the requirements you laid out except price, speed, and seats but it would be absolutely sweet! A MU2 guy loves speed no doubt and this has it.
http://www.controller.com/ListingsDetai ... ID=1335775

What jet can legally go into a grass strip.... I own a hangar on a grass strip but dont have the grapes to land the eclipse there!

Grass strip is a problem. CJ might do it if firm and dry.
Lots of weight per square inch of tire.
Piaggio might be an answer.

I stupidly taxiied the eclipse through 10 feet of grass at 5000lbs, left 6 inch ruts, took full throttle and about ripped off the gear doors, never again!

Wow! Should that trigger a landing gear damage inspection ?

Where is grass strip? Could you get your 170 back just for that?

Premiere is about 4000 runway minimum and 1000NM range... But they are nice and go fast. I got first look at one last week.. Mach .8 at 36,000 feet with 5 PAX and 2 crew. It was nice.

Wrong on almost every axis.

Not jet, not short runway, not cheap, and to top it off, noisier than an MU2!

Mike C.