A group on the field here has an Eclipse and is trying to get some folks interested in ownership or block time. Told them I'd like to fly it a couple times and was probably on a track to purchase block time until some issues were resolved with Eclipse. Tomorrow, I take a demo ride to see if I like it.

Best,

Dave

Ignoring differences in the potential for a partnership and/or block time, how do you thing the Eclipse operating costs compare to the Mustang?

Here's the data, although from the Eclipse site...
It serves the right mission very well and the new company appears to be keeping promises and appears to be financially strong.

http://www.eclipseaerospace.net/files/p ... _Chart.pdf

Ignoring differences in the potential for a partnership and/or block time, how do you thing the Eclipse operating costs compare to the Mustang?

That Eclipse is gonna be smaller than your Baron. I sat in one not long ago.

The Mustang is definitely smaller than a KA.

This is what would make me nervous as a buyer .

I guess you're buying $1MM worth of insurance with a Mustang.

Has this particular Eclipse been completed/updated?

Thanks Doug.

Had a wonderful flight this afternoon. The plane is very quiet; almost didn't need headsets. We had to stay under Class B until we got out awhile, but then climbed at about 160 knots and 2,500 feet per minute up to 10,000 where we played.

Did a couple turns and just got a general feel for the plane. It's nice and I could get comfortable pretty quickly in it. From the P Baron, it would be a pretty easy transition. It was interesting to see the pilot do an approach; he came in slower than I do in the Baron. Evidently, folks were landing a bit fast in these and really wearing out brakes. It could be a bit difficult to slow while descending and keeping the engines at decent power in case one needs to go around. Speed management was very important. Came over the fence about 84 knots and touched down below 70 and let it roll out on the runway.

Afterward, we had a discussion about how things would work and they have backed away from offering block time. The plane is one of the late serial numbers and the factory has told them (according to the owners) that it can be upgraded and will cost a lot to get the final certifications: FIKI, cert to FL410, panel upgrade, etc. The owner wants to get some capital out rather than off set operating expenses. He really doesn't want folks flying the plane that aren't owners and won't care for it properly.

The current proposal is for folks to become a one-quarter owner by putting a 100,000 deposit in escrow until the plane is upgraded. When two folks sign up, he will bring it to the factory to be completed. If not done in 90 days, the escrow will be returned. There is also a monthly overhead expense for the hanger, insurance and management. They have $5MM in liability insurance and hull coverage. There is also an hourly reserve put aside.

I'll read through the contract, but am hesitant to get into a plane that I know has to be fixed for this much money. Once fixed, if that happens, Eclipse is still a bit iffy as to warranties and service.

Anyway, wonderful little plane. Would love to fly it, but am still not convinced it will be supported as well as some other choices.

Best,

Dave

Dave,

Sounds like you had a great flight. Their proposal sounds a bit scary at this point, but perhaps it will be better when the plane is upgraded.

I just get nervous about partnerships. I could make an argument for renting or owning the whole thing and renting to others, unless you know the other partners like a wife.

Dave,

Sounds like you had a great flight. Their proposal sounds a bit scary at this point, but perhaps it will be better when the plane is upgraded.

I just get nervous about partnerships. I could make an argument for renting or owning the whole thing and renting to others, unless you know the other partners like a wife.

Speed?

Fuel flow?

Don't blame him for wanting 'partners' to assume the risk that has already manifested itself. Still in all if a one quarter share is worth $100,000 he has discounted the value in recognition of the problems we all know about. What are these planes selling for? Are any selling?

Good point Jason.

I too would be curious as to how close it came to the published performance #'s...

370kts max cruise
48-51 fuel flow
41,000 ft ceiling
etc...?

Don't blame him for wanting 'partners' to assume the risk that has already manifested itself. Still in all if a one quarter share is worth $100,000 he has discounted the value in recognition of the problems we all know about. What are these planes selling for? Are any selling?