If load matters more than speed, you really should consider a Tbone. Nothing else can do what I need to do as economically and pleasurably.

My billable time for training, required for me to fly a jet coupled with the cost of the training exceeds the total yearly operating costs of my turboprop. Not that I might not downgrade to a light jet one day, but the true cost is substantial.

You are not wrong, but....

To nail the time/cost analysis would also have to factor in the reduction in total flying time resulting from higher speeds in the jet. Fewer flying hours and a gain in your billable hour availability.

Folks are correct about the increased cost & time of training, but if we are going to base decisions on analytics, then the analytic set should be complete on both sides of the equation.

I think that most of us, at the end of the day, tumble the numbers and if they are not too horrifying, do what we want to do.

You guys are trying to put this Baron driver who needs an extra seat into a jet.

No recommendation makes sense without a better sense of the mission and budget.

Ted, I love the T bones…matter of,fact I have a 2600 foot grass strip and that makes me think of them from time to time.

How has the twin bo been as far as maintenance? One of the things I like about the turbines and jets is thst they seem to haVe a Better dispatch rate than pistons….

Mine has been on par but slightly better than the Baron I had before. Part of that is due to Lycoming vs Continental. The Conti's sure are smooth but in my experience the Lycoming is far more reliable especially the top end. The other reason is that the Tbone is super easy to work on. They were designed to be field serviceable by GI's in the field with everyday tools. Mechanics love them and everything goes much quicker than on other planes, for example you can change out a jug without even removing the cowling. Oil changes are a breeze. It's a big simple airplane.

If you are happy with PT6 fuel burn and 250 knots, then you buy a King Air, apparently.

I dunno why otherwise.

The 400LS is a different breed, but the big block TPE331 is not that economical to operate.

Mike C.

First sentence, not at all. Folks need to make their own decisions. Just pointing out that analyses should be consistent.

Second sentence. Agree 100%.

FWIW, love our Baron. Cannot beat it for economy & performance on 200-400nm trips. Our routes in New England and the Northeast, abound in ice between late October and April, in the 7,000'-10,000' MSL range where the Baron lives. 90% used for work, so that ice a limiting factor. That plus wanting more range to see customers.

But hard to beat the Baron in a lot of respects. Am a huge fan.

Ted, I love the T bones…matter of,fact I have a 2600 foot grass strip and that makes me think of them from time to time.

How has the twin bo been as far as maintenance? One of the things I like about the turbines and jets is thst they seem to haVe a Better dispatch rate than pistons….

How can you afford to read and post on BT at your billable rate?

You need to downgrade to a lesser forum to save all that money.

For me, training is a vacation, a way to escape my usual daily tasks into a world of simulator fantasy and enjoy myself. I kind of enjoy taking care of my airplane in the same way. Ultimately the plane is not about saving me time, I've put a lot of hours into it that are not in the air, but about saving my passengers time, and my enjoyment of life.

Imagine if I told someone 100 years ago, 1922, what I can do today, fly 8 miles high, cruise 70% the speed of sound, go for nearly 2000 miles non stop, and own and fly the plane myself. They would think you are crazy.

Mike C.

I went though almost this exact same process starting a year ago. Had a TN A36. Looked hard at the MU2 wife was not the biggest fan of the looks of the short body and was worred abou feeling closed in. Not rational at all but I am not good at arguing with my wife. Also being honest I was concerened if I was up to flying it. Been told I would do great but still worried. One last point insurance was just under 50,000 fiirst year with 50 hours of mentor time.

My hangar that I own and biger is not avalible. Is 50x50 with a 45 foot door. So somewhat less option no turbo Commander or king air. Wanted a TBM but just could not bring myself to spend that much money.

I ended up with a Cheyenne II bought it in May have just over 60 hours in family loves it first big trip was flying to Oshkosh. Had to do 20 hours mentor with intial check out. insurance was i think aorund 19,000 I had 2000 hours with 100 multi when I got the plane.
For my personel use seems like it will be a good choice. Seems to true right at 240knots in the low 20s. Yes it burns gas 70-75 GPH in cruise. Family loves the AC and the heat plus all the room.

You really need to fly a 90 (B90, C90) and horse it around. Fly a Cheyenne I or IIXL. Fly a T-Bone. All 3 of these airplanes are very good at a lot of things.

All 3 are bigger than a Baron and your passengers will love them. Baron's are cramped in comparison.

That's messed up. Must not have talked to the right folks.


It has a built in 60 knot headwind versus the TPE331 twins (MU2, 441, Commander).

That 45 ft door does limit your choices. Your Cheyenne does barely fit at 43 ft. What is your clear height at the door?

If you can fly a Cheyenne, you can fly an MU2. Maybe someday, bucking a 100 knot headwind, you will want to get back those 60 knots and get an MU2. You will also gain more clearance on your door, the MU2 is less than 40 ft span.

Still, the Cheyenne is better than ANY piston aircraft, ever!

Mike C.

That's messed up. Must not have talked to the right folks.


It has a built in 60 knot headwind versus the TPE331 twins (MU2, 441, Commander).

That 45 ft door does limit your choices. Your Cheyenne does barely fit at 43 ft. What is your clear height at the door?

If you can fly a Cheyenne, you can fly an MU2. Maybe someday, bucking a 100 knot headwind, you will want to get back those 60 knots and get an MU2. You will also gain more clearance on your door, the MU2 is less than 40 ft span.


Still, the Cheyenne is better than ANY piston aircraft, ever!

Mike C.