Here's an example:

Just had 2 static wicks and one mounting plate for one of the wicks replaced on my PC-12.

Total cost about $1,900.

Two static wicks!

This was done at an authorized Pilatus service center, which is -- for all practical purposes -- the only place you can go with a PC-12 for MX except for simple stuff like changing tires. A third party can't buy those really special Swiss authorized static wicks.

If you went to an official Cessna service center for a 560, it might cost about the same but -- the point is -- you can get the parts and have a competent non-Cessna shop do the work for a fraction of this cost.

I'm sure the work done on replacing these two static wicks is very well done. I have never had cause to complain about the quality of the work done at the Pilatus certified service center. But, my god, you pay for it with a PC-12.

And you don't have to, unless you choose to, with a Cessna product.

I don't feel my Pilatus is expensive to maintain.

I like swiss precision.

True for a lot of older aircraft. I recently bought two rigid static wicks with the metal spike discharges from an authorized service center for my Mitsubishi...$190 for both. About 10% of the Swiss static wicks. Perhaps its like a Rolex compared to a Seiko...they both tell time, the Rolex just does it with more flair!

ahh, he just wanted to get you hooked on the jet crack. What he didn’t show you was the frequency such invoices.

I leased a 560 Ultra and it was having something done to it every month. I take my PC-12 in once a year.

But at the end of the day, I would not discourage any friend from buying a jet.

FIFY

No doubt the Lear 45 is a game changer..... what do I do on my 4-5 250-500NM flights per week I already do? Call my buddy every time? It's not going to happen. I fly way too much.

You also notice on your chart how much faster the PC12 gets when you fly it lower into the headwinds. Probably 5 hours. Man that Lear 45 burns some gas. What's the full fuel payload?

You need a special jack adapter. I heard of one shop wanting to change a tire but could not purchase (refused) the adapter. So welded one up.

Asking....do the labour rates compare on other turbine shops?

Cannot talk about the Pilatus but the TBM shop Corporate Aircraft on your field John uses the same labour rate as other aircraft.
The TBM maintenance is mostly labour for inspections.






You need a special jack adapter. I heard of one shop wanting to change a tire but could not purchase (refused) the adapter. So welded one up.

Asking....do the labour rates compare on other turbine shops?

I've never had to replace a static wick.

The Pilatus service center is on my home field. I don't want an airplane I have to fly somewhere to have serviced. That cost alone is more than $1900 static wicks. I know that's not the case for everyone but is for me.

Why do you need a manager? I manage my own. There's nothing to it. Fire him and you just saved yourself a boat load.

Don't know where the above Citation II operating rates came from. Including Crew? We dry leased for $1,000 per hour two years ago. I think the V was $1,100.

Dry? Add fuel.

That makes perfect sense; just didn’t know the basis of comparison.

Here's an example:

Just had 2 static wicks and one mounting plate for one of the wicks replaced on my PC-12.

Total cost about $1,900.

Two static wicks!

This was done at an authorized Pilatus service center, which is -- for all practical purposes -- the only place you can go with a PC-12 for MX except for simple stuff like changing tires. A third party can't buy those really special Swiss authorized static wicks.

If you went to an official Cessna service center for a 560, it might cost about the same but -- the point is -- you can get the parts and have a competent non-Cessna shop do the work for a fraction of this cost.

I'm sure the work done on replacing these two static wicks is very well done. I have never had cause to complain about the quality of the work done at the Pilatus certified service center. But, my god, you pay for it with a PC-12.

And you don't have to, unless you choose to, with a Cessna product.

I get the importance of single pilot. But.......90% of the time my wife (she’s a pilot) and I usually fly together. I was looking at Lear 40/45......wow........hard to beat their performance.?!? And the acquisition costs are same as a TBM? Now I dont know anything about Lear’s. Operating costs etc probably beyond reach........ looks like an awesome bird

Same thoughts and situation. Yet the avionics are antiquated. Have to have a portable ADS-b in and IPad for much of a moving map. Ridiculous.