In my quest to move into a 501sp I have learned a lot about the MX requirements. I am interested to know if any BTr's have experience with these planes on the low utilization programs that are available. Bacon seems to be the primary option and for a significant fee upfront the phase 1-4 goes from 2 to 3 years and the phase 5 goes from 3 to 6 years. there are some other benefits of the program but those seem to be the standouts. This alone would cut the scheduled MX in half essentially and then you're left with what breaks. From what I have heard, the planes are fairly robust and parts sourcing is relatively easy and inexpensive given the 16000 air-frames produced. Please chime in with any additional information or direct operating cost information.

thanks!

We have several planes with Bacon, a Dick’s a great guy and he does a through job. The Citation is a tank but she can jump up and bite you when you least expect it. Used parts are out there but their cost is typically 50% of Cessnas replacement new part pricing as an example I buddy of mine had a device cuff fail, the serviceable units won’t fit as the bolt holes don’t line up so it’s from Cessna.... $53k and three months.

We had brakes in for rebuild quoted at $7k for the pair but one of the two the backer plates had corrosion so a $8500 up charge. I bought a plane recently that had just been thru a phase 1-5 at a major shop that had done the prisum inspection done. In the prebuy we bring in the service center to do the inspection and every single cockpit window failed, $75k by Perkins to replace all the glass and that was after a signification discount. That’s after the shop had just signed off on all the glass been serviceable.

The problems with the -1 motors is the HT blades are nearly impossible to locate.

It’s a great plane but you need qualified people to guide you thru the process and service the aircraft, and you need a thick skin when the big surprise arrives.

Best
Gary

Not all items on the 1-4 and 5 inspections are extended. Some of each inspection stays on the original schedule, like things that need to be lubed. You end up with A and B inspections for the 1-4 and A, B, C inspections for the 5. C is for corrosion.

We went on the Bacon program a little over 3 years ago, a few months before 1-5 was due. We more than got way more than our money back in the first year by not having to due most of the 1-4 and 5. Plane is in the shop now for the first full phase 5 in 6 years.