Assuming you mean the 90 or 200.... The times they are a changin'
(OK - the 200 is not a $750k option, but makes for an interesting observation)

Annual shipments 2003-2016.

King Air C90
18 27 35 52 46 66 44 28 29 27 27 21 15 11
Daher
34 31 31 42 46 60 36 38 38 38 40 51 55 54

King Air B200 / B250
38 39 37 42 58 54 37 24 25 22 36 35 28 32
PC-12
61 70 80 90 92 97 100 79 63 62 65 66 70 91

I tried to make the right comparisons between TETP and SETP by size.
The Daher entry is model 700 thru 930 since they don't really overlap

It sure seems like if someone could make a TETP a little more economical to own and operate that they could reverse the trend. Time will tell.

What ever the local charter business flys. If they really want to own a plane the. Buy what the locals know how to maintain and provide pilots for. The charter company I flew for had several citations and one Conquest that we flew for the owners and then leases from them and flew on our charters. It was a great deal for all involved!

How so?

What does the King Air excel at that no other turboprop can touch? It isn't cheaper to operate, it isn't faster, it isn't longer range, etc, than many other options.

Mike C.

The charter guy is usually flying on wholesale fuel costs (if associated with an FBO), probably has optimized for high usage (400+ hours/year), and wants to use local pilots already typed/trained in type. For owner flown buying retail fuel, getting their own training, and flying much less hours, the right plane may be quite different.

Mike C.

How so?

What does the King Air excel at that no other turboprop can touch? It isn't cheaper to operate, it isn't faster, it isn't longer range, etc, than many other options.

Mike C.

Conquest II

Don’t think you can find a clean one for $750K.

Don’t think you can find a clean one for $750K.

Here ya go. Actually kinda surprised at this bang for buck.

https://www.controller.com/listings/air ... chjet-400a

May be a 6 figure ADS-B cost for it.

Sorry, it sounded like you had objective criteria that the King Air was best at. I was curious what it was since I haven't found it.


Not all of the market.


I just can't deal with the high cost of operation and the slow speeds of a C90. Bucking a winter headwind must suck big time in one of those. I'm already pissed when I am doing only 200 knots in a 100 knot headwind, if that was 130 knots, that would be excruciating, especially at the cost of maintaining two PT6s and one King Air airframe by the hour.

Mike C.

There's going to be a whole lot of shakeout in older jets because of this.

If you want a really cheap jet, just wait until 2019, or better yet, 2020 when it still doesn't have ADS-B out. Wouldn't surprise me if prices are half what they are now for some types.

Mike C.

MC,

Thoughts and some reasons, objective, that make the KA the best choice for many: The King Air has qualified pilots available at most decent sized airports across the country due to the popularity of the KA. From the C90 to the type rated 350. That makes it easier to rent the PiC. Like the CJ’s and Citations this might also make the buying difference for many.

KA does not have the gotcha that exists with the wrong flap deployment on approach (or in the airport environment) which is very different than most other twins. Yes all can be and is trained for. I’d suggest for some corporate guys and private owners it is a mistake to bounce between planes with that difference.. So much of flying is muscle memory and repetition when the poopy hits the fan especially. Simpler, safer and easier to fuel the KA too. The KA “look”. Sits high big cabin which feels like a bigger plane overall even when it is not.

While I might like the MU2 better for its efficiency, speed and hauling ability it would not be my pick to hire pilots for on a daily/weekly basis. Not that I’m going to buy a KA.

Ps I won’t argue the flap situation here, yes it’s my opinion, but it is a Real issue that is counter to most twins. The SFAR has been great in teaching proper techniques and making the current MU pilots safety record much better.

Definitely a 90 series King Air. You can buy a nice C90 for $750 or maybe even a decent C90A/B if they are comfortable with operating past TBO engines. it’s been my experience that non pilot folks like newer airplanes.

May be a 6 figure ADS-B cost for it.