From my thread on the 414A vs 421C i received several suggestions to consider the MU-2. That got me thinking more generally. What problem am I trying to solve? So, I am interested in feedback on best plane for the following mission:

6 people (pilot + 5 passengers - or 4 with a co-pilot) = 1,020 lbs
240 lbs luggage
600 nm typical trip, though some will be as short as 200 nm
Region: St. Louis based, with flights to Denver, Anne Arbor, Charlotte, Dallas
Lav onboard: if block time exceeds 2.5 hrs. In other words, no potty is needed if block time less than 2.5 hrs.

Primary considerations: Passenger comfort, dispatch rate, low operating costs
Not as important: block time or speed

What aircraft would you suggest? We can be flexible on acquisition costs, since capital is not hard to come by, but ongoing OPEX needs to be kept as low as possible. Also, many of these flights will be owner flown, though some may include a safety pilot for the foreseeable future.

I really need to stress passenger comfort. For this to work, the 4/5 passengers should feel they are riding in something more akin to a limo than a farm tractor - while not breaking my monthly operating budget. Is this too much to ask?

Vic.

If the passengers are squirrelly and use google, forget the Mu-2. Not fair, but not worth the hassle either.

You won't go wrong with a 421B or C. No other piston is worth considering for your stated mission.

When you say "lav", do your passengers want a door or are they willing to pee with a curtain between them and the others.

You have just described a King Air, and there is a reason they are more expensive than Mu2 or a 421/414

You have just described a King Air, and there is a reason they are more expensive than Mu2 or a 421/414

Caravan. The Turbine Suburban.

441 if you can find one. 330ktas at 500lbs/hr. Very comfortable for 6 people

The OP stresses passenger comfort. They need to get above the weather. Needs to be pressurized.

Without getting into the single vs. twin or other kinds of debates pilots get into, many non pilots have told me they want 2 pilots, 2 engines.

King Air.

Note mike's website. You have spec'd a king air. Upside is that if you don't like the bills, they are easy to resell.

Charles, I think that applies to ALL general aviation aircraft. The press is never kind to us.

Example: CHARLES...DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU'RE MOST LIKELY TO DIE IN A CESSNA?!?!?!?!?

Charles, I respectfully disagree. The MU2 is plenty big enough and comfortable enough for this mission, much higher wing loading and so rides much better in turbulence. I will grant you that a 421 may be quieter, but you will spend less time in the MU2. The King Air will be slower and burn more fuel than an MU2 and has more time limited parts and thus higher operating costs. More places to get service though. The long body MU2 is bigger than a 90 series King Air and has a lav in the back behind a real door. Operating expenses for the MU2, especially the F model, will be less than any other twin turbine aircraft and comparable to pressurized piston twins, just orders of magnitude more reliable. Nothing wrong with a 421, but if you are flying any distance in weather, especially icing, what you rather be in? A twin turboprop or a 421? I know what my answer was OP should talk to Mike Ciholas as he did this with his MU2 for many years and was quite happy with his choice as well.

Jeff Axel
N228WP

Charles, I think that applies to ALL general aviation aircraft. The press is never kind to us.

There are 2 kinds of statistics...lies and damned lies.

441... Amazing airplane

You can't even compare a KA C90 to a 441 or MU2. KAs are slow and expensive. I've always wanted a 441. Great airplane, big, fast and unbelievable range. But with the SID and other maintenance more expensive to operate. Frankly, I'd buy a jet first. You just can't touch the economics of an MU2. The biggest negative for you with an MU2 is that Tulsa is the closest shop. A 421 is a good alternative for a 600nm range. That would be a 3.2 hour flight in a 421. I found that my biggest issue with the 421 was a lot small PIA problems, but mainly fuel pumps, bladders, and the autopilot. If they are in good shape you won't have a lot of other issues. As glorious as the C models are, If you find an incredible '74 B model do not run away from it. Btw, unless your kids are under 7, you will only use the potty in an emergency. In all of the years that I had a potty it was used once, and if its for #2, they would have to go outside to my smoking section.

It is a King Air 90 mission, without a doubt.

A "gentleman's" airplane to fly.