We had a surprise lightning strike on the 441 that I managed. At the teardown, the shop found a SB needed to be done and one should be done. That was $25k per engine that wasn't covered by the insurance. We also had a $6000 ignition box, a $5000 monopole sensor, and a $25k air cycle machine, all that were surprises.

You can tell us how much cheaper an entry level turbine airplane is than a high end piston airplane all you want, but the real fact is, the risk is much higher with the turbine airplane. Believe me, I'd love to be looking at similar purchase price MU-2's vs a 421C, but the financial risk is so much higher that I can't put my family in that situation. That's before you even look at higher insurance costs, higher training costs, higher landing fees, higher registration costs, higher hangar costs, etc. etc. etc....

Jason

You are not wrong.

For sure larger risk with higher end aircraft. You really need to compare what they were new.

Just because you can buy a $20mm jet for $3mm does not mean you are only maintaining a $3mm aircraft. You are paying to service a $20mm aircraft at today’s part prices with inflation

Not many $30k parts on a 421 but many of those on a jet.

That being said something like the 501sp with a large parts supply is an outlier. Still more risky than a 421.


The question is is that risk worth it to fly a safer faster aircraft and for me it was.

Mike

My Aerostar had increased pressurization mod, increased gross weight mod, winglets and aux fuel tank. 236 gallons from memory.
A joy to fly.

MY Aerostar climbed 100 fpm on one engine at 8,000 feet with gear down, take off flaps and prop windmilling. 200 gallons fuel and me……nervously grinning in left seat.
Clean her up and 700 fpm climb on one engine.

Not as much room as a C421 but much more room than a Baron.

Twas a fantastic Avanti training aircraft. As much as I liked my Aerostar I would have to also push you to a MU2.

I understand the push towards a turbine and I would love to have one and agree they are more dependable but I’m with Jason on this one and am not willing to take that risk. I use a plane for travel and one big expensive unforeseen turbine issue could end my flying days and possibly my marriage lol. The cost to maintain an aircraft is ridiculous now days and I personally know 5 people close to me that have given up flying or have changed their minds and stopped pursuing the dream of flying after adding up the cost. I am very mechanically inclined and can work on my own stuff as I have a good A&P that oversees anything I do and he knows I’m a perfectionist. I’m very familiar with piston engines and know little about turbines. My shop is very experienced in the PT6 but not the Garrett. At least with a piston I have somewhat control over the outcome and can definitely limit the expense of unforeseen issues vs a turbine