Did a long cross country in the 501 this weekend, people always seem interested what it costs to run a legacy jet so here's the breakdown. This a good trip to discuss since I got the worst of both worlds...summer temps and winter winds. Certainly not cherry picking a trip to talk about costs.
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight ... Z/2IS/KTYRStarted the day in Central Florida; already heading for 90 degrees. Got good clearances and pretty well unrestricted up to FL360...that's all I planned for since the winds went from bad to worse as you climbed. Got the trifecta on this leg....ISA +20, headwinds approaching 80kts and they started my descent almost on hour from destination...I can only assume trying get me under Dallas arrivals?? I topped off for 457 gallons/3000lbs so still had 800lbs remaining even with the temps/winds/early descent.
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight ... /KTYR/KTUSNext leg was Tyler, TX to Tucson. Temps and winds managed to get slightly worse. Didn't crack 300kts GS until just before top of descent. Topped off for 441 gallons/2900lbs, so an easy 900lbs remaining on another day VMC arrival.
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight ... /KTUS/KSBDFinal leg was a quick hop from Tucson over to San Bernardino. I didn't bother fueling when I got home but I'm quite confident I burned 1500lbs/225 gallons or less.
Engine start to engine shutdown was 9.0 hours, flight time was 7hrs, 45 minutes. Pretty decent for a straight wing airplane in these temps and winds; my block fuel burn was 125gph.
My ride was quite, comfortable and squawk free. It defies being 46 years old and REALLY blows my mind as someone coming up from a p-twin. I absolutely love this plane and the value if offers. I cannot underscore the safety and confidence I have in a jet.
Here's the pics. Yes, I have 2 iPads; don't judge me.