Here ya go Jesse.....

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetai ... 278099.htm

Dean,

I see those, but much like shopping 421s, there is a wide range of "asking" prices.

The Total Eclipse, or one step down, looks like the one you want. Prices around $1.5M. For the right mission, this thing is a steal. If only I could fit in one....

The interior 'feels' like it has much more room than my Baron. There is definitely more comfortable for passengers. (in 5 seat config)

I have used a 3,000 ft runway with ease, but I really like 4,000 (brakes are expensive and I try not to use them more than I have to). There is one guy I know of who bases his as a 2600ft field. For these operations, you need to be on your game. 5 knots of extra speed on final or 50 ft higher over the fence and you will use 1k extra ft in landing for either of those.

Useful load is okay. I can do 4 adults and bags for a ski weekend with full fuel and be at gross. If you really want to know the exact numbers, I can get them for you.

If you don't mind a non-coupled autopilot, hand flying all your approaches, no radar, no fms, no traffic, fiki, questionable support on some parts, etc. then you can buy a nice sorted 1.0 Eclipse with the liner upgrade and Garmin 400 for $600k-700k. 1-1.4M will get you an upgraded airplane with all the above.

I have put over 100 hours on now, and while the hourly cost is much higher than my Baron was, the per NM cost is hardly any more. It is much less than my 414 was.

Once you squeeze in, you will be just as comfortable in the left seat of an eclipse as your 421. My partner is a big guy.

I have not flown the IFMS. I think a 1.5 or 1.7 would be the best value for the money. 1.7 basically adds charts into the MFD. Both are FIKI, fully coupled autopilot, dual Garmin 400, radar, traffic, etc. There was recently a 1.7 for $975k that I came very close to buying. Deals can be had ...

That is a 1.0 airplane and it doesn't have a Garmin 400. This is really a necessity! The airplane is extremely limited without it. Most have had one added. I am surprised to see one without. I believe it is about 20k to add one, so not a huge deal. They just did the engine liners ($40k). ESP program is nice. Basically means there is money in the bank with P&W, but I personally would rather buy a plane not on this program and save the $.

Depending on when 24/48 mo inspections were done, I would probably offer $600k if I was in the market for one of these early birds. (Hell, we may need to buy one for parts the way things are looking! )

Ted

Is that b/c the new production 550 is different enough that there may generally be parts commonality issues or are there particular parts that may be a future issue?

RAS

This is only an issue for version 1.0-1.3 airplanes (like the one Dean posted up- this is the reason they are so cheap) EAI has said they will no longer continue to provide support for these 'non-upgraded' airplanes. Most parts are the same as the 1.5, 1.7, IFMS, and 550. There are some parts for the 1.0-1.3 airplanes that are already unavailable. The ADC 3 probe and ISS, the PFDs, and some other modules. MFD's and other items are in very limited quantity. Manson, the CEO has said publicly that he will not block us from dealing directly with the manufacturers of these parts, but that is a lie. He has pressured them into thinking legal action will be brought against them if they deal directly with customers. There is a pending lawsuit against EAI by some owners ( ) to stop them from doing this.

There are also RTS procedures for repairing these items, we just need to get our hands on them.

I am not terribly worried about it, but it would be nice to have a 1.5+ airplane so for sure this would not be a problem going forward. (Plus the pilot workload is substantially lower in the upgraded airplanes and it is nice to have all the toys.)

That's impressive!

It's always been interesting to see people compare the Eclipse with larger CJ's, Phenoms, etc. That's like comparing a 421 to a Barron - Similar in that they have two engines, but otherwise totally different airplanes.

The Eclipse is more like a Barron with jet engines. It makes sense when you look at it that way.

Not planning to trade the 421 in anytime soon, but I can see going the Eclipse route once the kids are out of the house and it's just my wife and I jetting around the country.

Robert

Not planning to trade the 421 in anytime soon, but I can see going the Eclipse route once the kids are out of the house and it's just my wife and I jetting around the country.

Robert[/quote]

That sounds obscene and VERY cool Robert!

I guess it's all relative, eh?

They probably did not want pictures of the orange thing which could be the new drag chute to compensate for the bad brakes ETC.

way to go Jason

That sounds obscene and VERY cool Robert!
[/quote]
Exactly what I was thinking. My legs seem to keep getting longer. At some point speed may become more important than baggage if I have to compromise.

I think a Baron with jet engines is a good description. If I could get comfortable with long term parts availability, it would be pretty tempting. I cant believe the performance vs fuel vs price. That's alot of suck squeeze bang blow for the buck!

Where can I fly one?

Just received this from Eclipse. Looks like you can demo one for $750.
[Link]http://www.eclipse.aero/experience_eclipse.php[/Link]

Just received this from Eclipse. Looks like you can demo one for $750.
[Link]http://www.eclipse.aero/experience_eclipse.php[/Link]