A google search yielded a 2014 Cessna price sheet for ProParts and engine coverage. I'm sure there is some insurance premium baked into these programs, and that there is a lesser-cost method, but it does provide a salient benchmark.

I tried downgrading my ambition from an Ultra to a Bravo, but the Bravo still seems roughly a 50% cost jump from a King Air. Other than operating cost, the performance of the Bravo looks impressive: 380 - 400 kts, 1,000 NM range even with stiff headwinds, and 1,000 useful load (pilots, pax, baggage) with full fuel.

Jet Tech has a dual GTN750 STC ($100k to $150k depending on TCAS version) to address ADSB, but nothing yet to replace the stock PFD. It would be nice if they could get G600s integrated/approved as they have with the older steam gauge panels.

So I am back to studying the King Air market.

A local Company here has a late 90's King Air B200 with a Garmin G1000 upgrade. The pilots have been bugging to move up to an Encore. They go through the motions every year or so.

Multiple brokers are now saying the King Air has increased in value recently and the Encores have lost value considerably.

I'm wondering if that is true??

Beech guys used to say you can always find a home for a B200!

Dan, you have to learn how to do math the jet guy way.

Check the cost per NM. That $650/hr will shrink a bit. My MU2 was crazy reliable and efficient. Running 285-300 kts at 600-650 lbs/hr with two engines is hard to beat. The Beechjet runs 430-460 kts. (depending on altitude and temps) on 1100-1300 lbs/hr, but I am going much faster, much higher and the safety of a turbine jet is excellent. So, it is about twice the fuel with 50% more speed.

Justify, justify, justify...

After you pay the fuel bill and push the power levers up, you won't even think about the cost.

Yeah I guess the Cessna team designed the back seats for comfort, the front not so much... don't think they thought we'd be the guys up front in this day and age.

The CJ was designed for SP but the small cockpit and the amount of room in the rear makes me think it was for operating costs as opposed to the owner operator that I always get told.

Andrew

Dan,

In my opinion, the B200, even with Blackhawk engines, isn't enough of a step up from the Pilatus to make sense. I think the Citation V / Ultra is one of the best airplanes ever built, sure you can operate a Mustang cheaper... but it isn't near the airplane in size or performance.

If you needed more seats, then a King Air 350 would make sense... if you are flying short legs then stick with props.... if not...

BUY THE JET!!!