My statement has nothing to do with the OP. Don't change the subject

...after I've already changed the subject.

Spot on. There's plenty of contract help out there. And it's realistic that you're going to need someone right seat for a while anyway. Myself, I think this SP can sound a little macho except for little milk runs in a jet. Not a Pilatus, but that's a whole different bird. Myself, other than short trips, I'd get a Sovereign and have another pilot. I love flying in a crewed environment with a pro. And there's plenty out there looking for work.

Yep. And IIRC you can get waivers after you're experienced enough. Some people on this site know their jets

Is the PC24 going to be SP?

Yes.

Crandall, how old are you? I'm 41. Every time my current set of pals gets too old to run around hitting it hard I hang out with younger people for all that. You're not too old until you're too old. Anyhow, as I get older my tastes have changed some, but flying never seems to get old. If I've got the dough and the desire I'm still in the game.

I'd really like to have one of those SJ30s. I flew with the guys who run the flight department for the Deja vú strip clubs when I was looking for my MU2 (they had a Marquise; if the Solitaire I found hadn't popped up, I'd have bought it, it was a good deal). Good guys, straight shooters, the GM is also a former Marine. They've got two of those SJs, I can call them and verify this, but I think parts are a concern.

I do not recall which aviation forum I was reading, but one poster managed three of the SJ30 for their owners. The poster stated parts was always a concern, but the company has come through with the parts every time, usually pretty fast. So although he/she has always been nervous about it, it has not been a problem YET.
There were a lot of YET kind of messages there

Tim

One not yet mentioned: IAI Astra 1125, SP, SPX.

Not SP, but 2500+ nm, ~0.85 mach, hot wing, inexpensive (to get anway).

I don't know anything about runway, suspect it needs 5000+ ft most of the time to be safe, especially high, hot, heavy.

Mike C.

If you're gonna make the jump to 2 pilots then you've just opened a whole new avenue to look at. I would never buy an Astra to fly with 2 pilots. It's too small. Go ahead and get a G200 or Citation X.

SP vs. two pilots is a major fork in the road. "maintaining SP" is a big deal. What's the point in tossing an Astra into the mix?

Some re-engined choices:

http://www.spirit-wing.com/

Lear 25 with FJ44s, ~1800 nm range.

http://www.nextantaerospace.com/400xti/ ... range.html

Beech 400 with FJ44s, ~2000 nm range.

I suspect neither one are particular good at short runways.

Mike C.

PC24 is a huge airplane. Double club seating in the back plus a galley after that. It is the ultimate airplane for me but it's $10MM and they promise me 2020 delivery. I'll be was too old in 2020. Forget it.

I'm all about the SJ30. Where can I get one?

The CJ4 comes close. 2200nm range, 450kt max cruise, hot wing, single pilot, large service network. Not a bad compromise.

The C510 Mustang is - and remains - an excellent transitional aircraft.

Pretty much the ultimate family airplane if you can swallow the initial price tag. And top of everything it has a FL450 ceiling so even heading west, 95% of time your worst ground speed will be 375knots, as you will be able to avoid all polar jets. You range with 4 aboard is about 1900 still air, 1650 worst case west doubt.