Hi All,

Perusing controller this afternoon as we all do (probably daily) getting my fill of plane porn and ran across this Mitsubishi Diamond 1A jet for <250K.

https://www.controller.com/listings/air ... diamond-1a

So my question(s) is naturally what is wrong with this thing?

--Is it impossibly expensive to upgrade avionics (if at all)?
--Are you just buying the remaining engine times?
--Does not list an AP---is there such thing as a Civilian GA Jet with no AP?
--Is it just old?
--Or are there a host of other issues potentially going on with this plane?

Thought I would check in with those that have Jet experience to see what might be going on here. Money pit waiting to happen??

Thanks for all input!!

Matt

I don't know anything about jets... but I do know its an airplane which means you are correct in saying it is a "money pit waiting to happen"...

Maybe at one time it was used in the commission of a felony.

A friend of mine bought a Cessna 152, to flip, at police auction many years ago for <10AMU. It had been used as a getaway plane for a robbery, murder. With a quick internet check any potential buyer knew right away what the deal was, and they would walk.

He owned the plane for >3 years, and sold it for ~12AMU. Figure in maintenance cost, hangar costs, etc. He lost a bundle.

It has A/P.
I have an SIC type rating Only been in it a few times.
Probably a great airplane at the right price.

2 pilots is always a pita in these older jets.

Seemed like a fine airplane if perhaps a bit sluggish.

I think the time is ripe for a few flying clubs based on these older jets - especially older Citations that go for the same price range.

I would guess there are Bonanza / Cirrus / Baron pilots would buy in to "live the dream" for 15 hours a year, taking a few hops with an appropriate "minder" in the right seat for insurance purposes.



or am I

That sounds like a good idea, and you most likely are Anyone who is into flying is definitely

It's a great jet. Very similar to an early Beechjet, with a little less power. This plane does have an autopilot because it's RVSM. Maintenance isn't too bad and the engines are very common. It does require 2 pilots. I hear it's an easy plane to fly. This plane and the Beechjets would make a great single pilot plane, but the FAA thinks that if it weighs more than 12500 it needs another pilot.

Weight is not the issue. There are plenty of single-pilot jets over 12,500.

Weight is not the issue. There are plenty of single-pilot jets over 12,500.

I would guess simple supply and demand.

People who can afford 2 pilot jet operating/maintenance cost generally want something with more legs. Early jets were always out of gas. So the lack of market for this style drove the price down.

It's very possible it's in good shape, but can't move it for any more $$.

It's also very possible it's a pile of junk.

Not that were certified before the 1990s.

Prior, above 12,500 lbs and turbojet meant part 25 which meant two pilot.

Then, they invented part 23 "commuter category" which went to 19,000 lbs. Originally for turboprop commuters, it then got co-opted for light jets. Since then, just about every light jet under 19,000 lbs is far 23 commuter category and single pilot.

The Diamond and Beechjet are part 25 two pilot just due to the accident of being developed before part 23 commuter category.

Cessna was able to get an exemption for part 25 legacy Citations to allow single pilot operations, but that's a bit of weirdo thing that really shouldn't exist. Maybe someday that can be turned into something a bit more stable and normal than what we got so far.

What is wrong with this jet? It is a Diamond that predates the Beech improvements. Otherwise, not much. Basically, if you got the pilots and money to fly a BJ 400, you'd buy one of those and not a Diamond.

Mike C.

Weight is not the issue. There are plenty of single-pilot jets over 12,500.[/quote]


What single pilot jets are over 12,500?

It appears that this jet is being sold for the engine value.

CJ3, CJ3+, CJ4
Legacy Citations 550, S550, 560 with SPE
551SP (with STCs gross up kits that put it over 12,500 lbs)
PC-24
Phenom 300
SJ-30


For the older jets, this is basically the price for all of them. You buy engines and the rest of the package is just there to hold them off the ground.

Mike C.

All of the above and about 3 gallons a minute of jet A assuming RVSM altitudes much more at lower altitudes,

Perfect starter jet. Two pilots not a pita. Safer and more enjoyable flying with another pilot. Only need one real, up to speed pilot. The SIC is very easy to acquire for most any instrument rated pilot. Insurance company may demand simulator training for co-pilot. Perfect way to get some jet experience. Our Diamond sold for $200K with 700 hours remaining. Potential throw away jet. My 2 cents. The Diamond would fly circles around a Cirrus Jet for 1.8 million less.