Well... after 500 wonderful hours in my Debonair I decided to search out a faster traveling machine.

Started looking at Barons... then pressurization started moving up the priority list which added in the P Barons.... then the big twin Cessnas... lots of searching.... lots of math ....lots of listening to other owners and why the were selling....

Don’t need to carry a lot of people... most of my flying is 500-600NM and I rarely ever need to carry more than 3 people....

So... I decided to skip the twins and go right into researching SETP market and today I closed on my new traveling machine, excited and anxious. I’ll keep you posted as I work through transition training and avionics updates.

Congrats Brian!
Sounds like a good choice for your mission.

Think you'll be very happy!

Fantastic! Need lots more details:

How did the transition training go? Where did you do the training?

What do you like about it? What don't you like about it?

Clearly we need more pictures as well...

Cool! Welcome to the turbine world, makes a huge difference in reliability of travel.

A hint for the transition - for a while you will be most overwhelmed during the departure phase. Things happen way faster than in a piston single, climbs faster and at a higher airspeed. So I would focus much of your preflight prep on what to expect/anticipate during that phase for a while.

Approach phase is easy, it’s not dramatically different in speed or technique from your current ride. Cruise is easy, you’re just droning along, not that much to do.

Good luck, and have fun transitioning!

Congrats. I took the same leap in August of 2016 and went from a TN A36 to a Piper Meridian. It's been a game changer. Totally different kind of flying. You're going to love it. The only thing to get used to is the game of twister you get to play when trying to get into the cockpit. I'm 6'4" so your mileage may vary.

Congratulations Brian,

Now that you have "tasted" jet A, there is no going back.

RM

Congrats and looking forward to a full PIREP!

Congrats on the new ride!

Definitely want to see more pics, especially of the panel and interior.




Ron

I love the smell of jet fuel in the morning!

Congrats! Once you understand the systems, I think you will find the actual operation of a turbine to be easier than your Deb. The most difficult part will be the upgrade in mission capability with all weather airplane (convective weather, icing conditions, busy terminal environments, etc).

Thank you guys! I look forward to the new learning and adventure. I've flown it a couple times and you can feel the extra thousand+ pounds but it seems to be well behaved.

She needs some love cosmetically but I can take care of that over time.

I have attached a few more pictures. The panel is scheduled to get updated on 10/22 with dual G500TXI's and dual GTN750's and the new STEC 3100 with level button and flight envelope protection. Should be the latest and greatest available.

Can't wait to burn some Jet A...

Very, very cool Brian! Which model year is that?

I'm really interested to hear how the new autopilot install goes. I've heard good things about the Magic 1500 autopilot but it sounds like the STEC 3100 is quite nice. Dual G500TXI's and dual 750's is going to look fantastic.

If you don't mind sharing, what's the cost estimate on the avionics upgrade that you mention and what type of downtime are you expecting?

I heard that they are about a year away from getting approval to use the TXI as primary for engine display. That'd allow you to get rid of the entire Meggit system.

The new panel should roll out right around 100AMU plus or minus. The bank rolled it into the purchase so at least the capital is being amortized. Estimate is 4-5weeks to cut the all new panel and lay out all the new goodies.

Here's an example (not mine) with the same equipment except G500 not txi which should be close to what the end result will be: