It seems like when Aerostars are talked about it is always about turbocharged 601 on up. What are the 600s like? how do they compare to NA barons and 310s?

Way faster, more fuel efficient, similar maintenance, more luggage space, rides like a jet (high wing loading), bigger than Baron, easier to load people.

I think the 600's are great planes and under appreciated by the market. I worked for a company that had an Aerostar 600 and a G150. We used the 600 a lot for short haul/regional travel. It was a nice one with deice and air conditioning. Passengers loved it. Fast at about 190 kts cruise. Handled turbulence well. Did not like ice however. Maintenance was reasonable with no pressurization or turbos.

We had a pro pilot so I never really flew it but I did get some stick time. I liked it.

Lighter,faster,much less maintenance,more reliable,less FF....

Good morning Walter,

What do you see for speeds/fuel flow, max speed and economy. What made you buy one?

It is a 200kt machine...very responsive....30 gph at 24/23 ...27 gph at 10 k...I like it because most of my flying is east coast I don't want the added maintenance of turbos and pressurization and added down time. It will perform over the Rockies and Alaska however if I were based in that region turbos would be my choice.

Another advantage is range...with my 18 gallon over fill adapter= 184 gallons and 6 hours in the air

What is a " 18 gallon over fill adapter" ?

What is a " 18 gallon over fill adapter" ?

A special fuselage fuel tank cap was made that allows the pilot to add fuel above the fill opening (into the head space above the cap).

It takes usablefuel capacity from 165.5 to 185.5 gallons.

The FAA used to provide authorization to allow the use of the cap, existing authorization (for a specific aircraft) continues, but they are no longer giving authorization to use the cap for 'new' aircraft.

Existing caps are occasionally available, and there was at least one individual who machined and sold a clone of the original cap.

I assume any owners of the cap who install the cap have the correct paperwork.

I've always thought a stripped NA aerostar re licensed in experimental racing with something like the supercharged version of these http://www.v8seabee.com/conversion-kits ... -kits.html

On it could set some records....

Life is short, too many hobbies, not enough hours...

Walter,

I would have expected the NA A* to be faster than my 601P below 10,000' due to my intercooler drag; like 215 knots @ 75% and 7,000 feet. Am I wrong? The numbers you quote are pretty much what I see.

Jgreen

John.....

With boots and full load 200 kns is the best mine will do at 24/24

Walter,

Makes sense. I don't have boots and am usually 250# under gross.

After owning the 601P, and understanding its systems, I have found it an incredibly reliable airplane and simple to maintain. How long have you flown yours?

Jgreen

John...
It is 1980 model and have owned it since 1986... yes it is reliable and a pleasure to fly but unexpected things can and do happen over the years...complete engine failure....complete electrical failure while it was trimmed up for climb (A*s have no mechanical trim)....broken mixture cable in flight putting engine in extreme lean.... double vacuum failure


Walter