I know there are a million of these threads but they're fun so here's one more.

Pilot:
First time owner. 300 hours - PPL - MEL - IFR - CPL in progress.

Mission:
-Eastern Canada- can be cold and wet at times but no mountains
-650 nm east/west trip from Ontario to Nova Scotia and back will be 75% of trips. One Leg preferred.
-3 People. 210lbs, 130lbs, 140lbs (480 total) plus bags
-Preferably not 50 years old. Something newer than 1985 or even 90s would be nice.
-150,000 budget. Not afraid to upgrade this and that overtime. I would rather make changes as I see fit and spread out the cost rather than drop big bucks on a decked out Cadillac up front.
- Ultimate goal to get into TP Single way down the line if that matters

Curious to see what you guys come up with!

Thanks

Navajo or Barron

If purchase price matters more than operating cost or total lifecycle cost, your list of requirements is going to point your towards a piston twin for sure.

Lots of good choices there at/under $150K.

After ‘85 and under $150k are pretty much mutually exclusive

I think a 70’s b55 would suit your mission well.

It seems that way. The age of the twins out there at that cost is a bit scary. Buying a 50 year old plane and then trying to sell a 55 year old plane or older. Is that valid do you think?

Those are pretty sharp. Any reason why B specifically?

No limit on operating cost?


Old is not necessarily bad. In some ways, they can be better than a newer airplane. 1985 is the end of the golden era, so that cuts out a LOT of planes.

For $150K, you can be talking Cessna 421B from the 1970s.

Pressurized comfort, quiet, above the weather, fast enough, a real traveling airplane.

I'd want something with deice capability in your region.

I'd want turbine, too. And there are some options starting in the $200-250K range.

Mike C.

Sounds like the perfect mission for a Bonanza, but the age and price may have to budge just a little.
An F33 or A36 would fit the bill if you up the budget just a little bit, otherwise you may need to go back to a late 70's airframe.

Not at all, it means they have been well tested, and any weaknesses of issues are well known and addressed.


Yes, happens all the time. You are only using the next 10% of their life.

Mike C.

Not so much. Income these days is good but wasn't really for a while. Not a lot of reserves but blue skies ahead



421s and turbines seem a bit over my head at this point in my flying exp

Those are pretty sharp. Any reason why B specifically?

I fly Alberta to Ontario often, but have also flew London ON to East Coast. I bought a Baron.

Non stop no worries, direct across Great Lakes and/or Bay of Fundy depending on your route. At your price, it is doable but age will be older. Mine is a 76 but really not much left from then. Aircraft flies very very well and tight.

Very pleased with my baron and lifting capabilities.....good luck.....

Brenda

Those are pretty sharp. Any reason why B specifically?

Nah. The 300/400 series twins are pussycats if you care enough to stay proficient. I did a PPL ME add-on in a customer's 402 a while ago. Cake walk. Pressurization adds almost no work load but dramatically improves the experience.

Turbines are even easier to operate.

Anyone can learn to fly this stuff. It's not rocket surgery.

Lots of Baron support, that's good consensuses is good.

Someone mentioned a bonanza. Aside from being more expensive is there other reasons to go that route?

Can't afford a meridian presently