Taking seats out is kind of a PITA...or I am unskilled. Getting the seats out of the TBone to take the mountain bikes takes 5 minutes tops. Getting a single seat out of the Malibu took me 45 minutes and tools. So, I wouldn't classify it as something you do for each flight... more of a long term configuration change.

Agree that rear facing seat behind the pilot is the one most commonly removed.

TBM is 30 seconds to remove, a minute or two to install

I pulled the middle seat behind the pilot out. It is not going back in until I sell it. It does make accessing the cockpit much easier and saves 22lbs. Takes easily 45 minutes with a bunch of small bolts, nuts and washers.

Varies by interior, but my aft seats have removable seat cushions that allow the aft seat backs to then fold forward fully to a flat position. The seat backs are then even with the baggage compartment floor.

I've carried furniture, chests, bikes, big screen TVs and elk antlers.

Removing seat cushion, 1 second. Installing seat cushion maybe 5 seconds.

Ryan,

What year is your plane? I have never tried that with the aft seats. Nice to know.
Kevin

I have a 1988, with an aftermarket SkyTec interior (it was a mid 90's STC'd interior). I don't know that the seats are much different from a stock 1988.
I just pull up the bottom cushion that's held in to the fiberglass seat pan with velcro. Lift the arm rest and the seat folds fully forward, the arm rest then can retract to be even with the seatback.

Bottom seat cushions I then throw in the fwd baggage compartment.

I don't have a picture with the seat down, but this is what my seats look like:

I have a 1988, with an aftermarket SkyTec interior (it was a mid 90's STC'd interior). I don't know that the seats are much different from a stock 1988.
I just pull up the bottom cushion that's held in to the fiberglass seat pan with velcro. Lift the arm rest and the seat folds fully forward, the arm rest then can retract to be even with the seatback.

Bottom seat cushions I then throw in the fwd baggage compartment.

I don't have a picture with the seat down, but this is what my seats look like:

I have a 1988, with an aftermarket SkyTec interior (it was a mid 90's STC'd interior). I don't know that the seats are much different from a stock 1988.
I just pull up the bottom cushion that's held in to the fiberglass seat pan with velcro. Lift the arm rest and the seat folds fully forward, the arm rest then can retract to be even with the seatback.

Bottom seat cushions I then throw in the fwd baggage compartment.

I don't have a picture with the seat down, but this is what my seats look like:

In looking at Meridians, a few for sale are victims of a Hot Start.

Some tout this as a feature; e.g. Engine Hot Section at x,xxx hrs. due to Hot Start; fresh Hot Section, rebuilt starter/generator SHSI.

One is offered for sale with the estimate of total cost if buyer does HS? As in, we’ll deal if you take risk.

Others just mention Hot Start.

Curious as to opinions of the stigma of a Hot Start? Something to definitely avoid?

Thanks for any advice.

Best,

Tom

Needs an inspection and a letter of deviation from Pratt for the exceedence. Obviously very costly.
Some insurance policies cover it.

Dont buy till after the HSI is done and paid for. Keep looking...

That said I would not be afraid of one that has had a HSI. Better than scoping from the outside during a pre buy. Can’t see past the first stage in the PT66D. Not sure on the Malibu. good luck hunting.

I would not be concerned with an engine that has had a hot section completed (regardless of the reason). It is very common (yet expensive) maintenance item done to all jet engines.

If fact, would agree that it is a benefit to you. When the engine is removed and torn down you get a much better inspection done compared to a typical boroscope done at a pre buy.

Now, if the risk to you is the COST of doing that HSI beware. Those costs can go up very quickly based on findings. However, if you can strike a deal that you are comfortable with and at the conclusion you have a fresh engine in a plane @ at a bargain, that is a good deal.

this. well said. it's pretty hard to break these things- but the seller should bear that risk

this. well said. it's pretty hard to break these things- but the seller should bear that risk

Thanks all for your input. Really buyer beware...

Best,

Tom