For your mission I'd opt for a Meridian. Prices are higher than they were a year ago, but operating costs (and headaches) are less than a Twin Cessna. You can use the money you save on op-ex toward a note payment.

Mike C. is right about headwinds on a 700nm mission. If you're in a Meridian, you'll be making a fuel stop. But who cares? More flying time, right?

Commercial Bank of Texas in Nacogdoches, TX. They were recommended to me when we were financing our Meridian. Traded up to a Commander 980 earlier this year and they financed 50% no problem. Very easy. Lot of pilots on the board and they're used to financing aircraft.

980 is a beast!

Was literally about to submit an offer on a 690B-10 when the owner decided to take if off the market and not sell. Crazy times.

That's the THIRD plane that scenario has played out over the past 4 weeks, one even after negotiation and written offer.

I wonder if it is that people aren't keeping them to hold off for more money necessarily, but rather that they know that if they get out now, they'll never be afford to get back in again. I've thought of selling my plane and those are exactly the thoughts I've had - I'd basically be selling a pretty capable (but old) plane and then barely being able to afford a Carbon Cub or a tricked out single.

That's me.

Could make a ton by selling my Citation V after just one year.

But then I wouldn't have it, and that's bad since I can't replace it seemingly non crazy price.

It's my plane now and I'm keeping it.

I wonder about my insurance hull value. If I had a total loss, say hangar fire, I couldn't replace it for the insured value. I've already increased that once (due to full Garminization), but maybe I need to increase it again.

Mike C.