Greetings, BT Braintrust......

We have a client leaning towards a Sovereign.....anyone have any ideas the reliability of the PWC306C engines? I have seen where "early" serials had some issues with blades, and had to be pulled for early HSI, but that is about all I can find.

Thoughts???


Thanks!
Todd

Haven't been around the C680 in almost five years. Not sure how early s/n you might be referring to. Last company I flew with before retirement operated a low 100's number for about five years/>1500 hrs. Don't recall any engine problems. Overall good, dependable airplane. Perhaps someone here on BT with more recent experience than I will chime in.
MM

Hi Todd,

Flew Sovereigns from '04-'07 while at Cessna, then again at my last employer for a couple years, that one being an '07 model (forget the serial number but believe it was in the 170's). Honestly don't recall hearing anything when going to recurrent training twice a year at FSI from the other operators about engine issues. It's possible, just doesn't stand out as an issue that was talked about much. Highly recommend looking for an aircraft on the engine program though if it is a concern. The few times I recall us contacting our Pratt tech rep though, he was very quick to respond and assist us. An issue that would be on my radar is the wing corrosion issues. Look for a plane that has had a clean bill of health on the wing inspections that are done I believe every 24 months. Forget which doc it is, but it is a big inspection and it will get very expensive quickly if they find very much.

Best of luck on your search, hope you find a good one for your client. Sovereign is a really solid performer that does a number of things well. Send me a PM if you would like to chat sometime. I'd be happy to share some of my operating experiences with you. I'm based here at TUL as well, flying out of Legacy Jet Center.

Bryan

Thanks, all.

Will keep you in mind, Bryan, thanks.

I was getting my itty bitty Lance worked on last week and me and the tech were watching a Sovereign take off. That beast went from 0 to airborne extremely quickly. I'd estimate 600 ft sooner than my Lance!

Maybe one day

Ive always heard that if you want a jet that can carry alot with great comfort, but still operate from short fields, the Sovereign is the best at what it does.

Seems to be......had a 2015 model in here Thursday, and it jumped off the ground in a hurry. Kind of drooling over getting one to base here, now...

Flew Sovereign's for 8 years and was on NBAA Tech Committee for the 680.
Only problems engine wise were accessories gearbox
Seals. That should all be good now. ESP has
Really high hourly rates, can't understand why.
Excellent airplane, MSG maintenance program.
Honeywell avionics are the weak link. Flying Challenger
300's and Lear 45XR now, I sure miss the
Sovereign's dependability and Cessna's support.
Dave

I'm friends with a relatively new Sovereign owner.... He bought it new a few years ago and I was fortunate to be invited with him on his acceptance flight. The plane is professionally flown and has been no grief. He absolutely loves it and his pilot raves about its capabilities. I don't know much about jets but this one seems like the best mid cabin jet on the market from what I've been told. I know - pics or it didn't happen....