Anyone have access to an Astra SPX AFM/Flight Manual in PDF? Am considering one and would like to check takeoff performance etc. I have been researching posts on here and elsewhere. It seems like a whole lotta bang for your buck but you do need two pilots. Anyone here operate one, how is it on mx and where are the best shops?

Just put my contact in your favorites when you need a right seater. Love the way those look.

Why do the 'interesting' looking airplanes always have such great performance?

acp

We looked at them serval years ago, decided we would need an SPX/G100. Decided to keep the Citation Ultra. Unless things have changed training cost and the availability of contract pilots killed it for us. Boss decided we would just stop for fuel on the DFW-SEA area legs when needed.

Back then we did several west bound,1000 nm,trips out of a 4000 foot strip and the SPX/G100 and Ultra was one of the few jets that could do it except the Falcons. If you are around the DFW area I have heard http://trimecaviation.com/aircraft-services/# is one of the better places for MX.

Jon

We have 2 of them and couldn’t be happier. I agree it’s the best value for dollar in the Jet world right now. I don’t have the AFM in pdf, but I’m happy to give you any info you need. Just ask away.

As for maint - it’s typical IAI - built like a brick house, but a little cantankerous. Everyone will warm about the slats - it’s valid. We limit to 220 IAS and “unloaded” (Not in a turn) for operation and it’s been trouble free. The other biggie is windshields. They are know for delamination and from the other operators we talk to, about 8 years seems to be the average life. Gulfstream will happily sell you a new one - for $71k. Speaking of Momma G, the SPx is fully supported by Gulfstream, so parts and technical help are available. Like every plane, having a knowledgeable maintenance rep near by is a must. I’m in Atlanta and we have a few guys here that are really really good. I’ve had mixed results with Trimec, so I can’t speak one way or the other there.

Overall it’s a hell of a performer and the most fun I’ve had since flying the 20 series Lear. We’re shopping for a 3rd.

Jon

We have 2 of them and couldn’t be happier. I agree it’s the best value for dollar in the Jet world right now. I don’t have the AFM in pdf, but I’m happy to give you any info you need. Just ask away.

As for maint - it’s typical IAI - built like a brick house, but a little cantankerous. Everyone will warm about the slats - it’s valid. We limit to 220 IAS and “unloaded” (Not in a turn) for operation and it’s been trouble free. The other biggie is windshields. They are know for delamination and from the other operators we talk to, about 8 years seems to be the average life. Gulfstream will happily sell you a new one - for $71k. Speaking of Momma G, the SPx is fully supported by Gulfstream, so parts and technical help are available. Like every plane, having a knowledgeable maintenance rep near by is a must. I’m in Atlanta and we have a few guys here that are really really good. I’ve had mixed results with Trimec, so I can’t speak one way or the other there.

Overall it’s a hell of a performer and the most fun I’ve had since flying the 20 series Lear. We’re shopping for a 3rd.

Mark, it’s 91 flying. We all of a sudden needed to be able to leave Atlanta and get 1200-2200 miles down range fast and efficiently. We looked at several options, but kept circling back to the SPx. We recently did a run from Phoenix back to Atlanta in 2+35. She’s no Citation X, but it’ll do

That is pretty impressive.

Thanks for the great info.

I worked for a company that bought a new Astra SP in 1991, then upgraded to a new SPX roughly 10 years later.

We had projects in Hawaii, Las Vegas, Scottsdale, Chicago and Santa Fe and had regular business trips to various cities in the USA.

The Astra SP and later the SPX were unique among their competitors in terms of their ability to make very long range flights (such as mainland USA to Hawaii).

We often made that trip with 4 or 5 executives, luggage and our 2 man flight crew.

I was not surprised when it became a Gulfstream product.

How interchangeable are parts between the Westwind, SP, SPX? In the Citation world, there is tons of overlap, and as such replacement parts are quite affordable.

I know there is some overlap but I don’t think much, if anything, from the old Westwind will overlap to the Astra/SP/SPx. Def some overlap between all the Astra models though with parts. The avionics differences between the Astra/SP and the SPx are huge and I’m not aware of much that will overlap there.