I love this idea, but we just got rid of a radial engine... Need a break from them for a while:)

I could get on board with a twin bo as long as I can be convinced the go-480's are not a nightmare.

I think Douglas Jackson, will have a Plug for a Cessna 340
He had a Hot Rod with some short field mods

You can watch his Videos, out of his Short Strip..........I think less than 2600 FT

I flew a PA31-325 for a few years. I was not impressed with takeoff ability/agility, but was usually loaded up pretty good and near gross. Hot days at 2,700 MSL would have me screaming 50’ off the ground, over a 6,000’ runway, trying to accelerate to blue line…

Flew it rarely by myself or light, and it did react quite differently.

The cabin cannot be compared to Barons. Not as big as Queen Air or 90 series, but way bigger than a Bonanza/Baron. Good sized baggage in rear, decent sized nose baggage. IIRC, 325s all had wing lockers. The RH locker is short, due to AC condenser out there.

IIRC, Doug R is experienced in PA31. Not sure which models. The TSIO-540 is an excellent engine and very robust. But they are not cheap to maintain or replace. But then again, what is in this class of planes.

Good Navajos will set you back some coin. Panther conversion are nice, but seem to command a high $.

Chris R. in western Iowa has “the 0wl” and it might be for sale still. Lots of things to consider with an older B90 like that, but it would do your thing a lot better then a Navajo…

https://www.beechtalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=214016

You only go around the sun so many times!

I have watched the videos...indeed a sweet ship. I can't get insurance on pressurized at the moment, so it rules it out. At the same time, I would much prefer to simplify systems as opposed to maintain systems we rarely use. A non-turbo, no ice, no pressurized, simple twin is perfect for what we need. Realizing a non-turbo navajo will be nearly impossible to find is what has made me consider that a 310-C might be the best we can do if we go that route. A twin bo has of course always been in the back of my mind but they are an even rarer bird to maintain. Having IA's in our local area that are Navajo savvy and baron savvy is a plus.

Second the emotion
If you can find a D-50 with air stair you get a 160
Kt cross country that will go 1000 miles with a 1000 lb payload with minimum maintenance. And is happy on 1500 ft of grass at gross.
I believe there is one on beechtalk now.

That may also be an issue for things like a Baron or Navajo based on a grass strip.

Might want to check into that.

I know even retract singles can sometimes have trouble getting insurance when based on a grass strip, or that it costs more if you do. My brother pays extra for being on grass.

Mike C.

That may also be an issue for things like a Baron or Navajo based on a grass strip.

Might want to check into that.

I know even retract singles can sometimes have trouble getting insurance when based on a grass strip, or that it costs more if you do. My brother pays extra for being on grass.

Mike C.

Bering Air Service in Alaska flies PA-31’s in an out of sub-3000 foot gravel strips.

Everyone is gonna pitch their favorite aircraft for your mission now, and I will do the same. Only difference is I'll be right :

Twin Commander 500B.

It's the only right choice out of all the others. They're made for exactly your mission.

Adam, If you read what Andy wrote, he specifically stated that he doesn’t have a Hangar big enough for a 500 Commander

Might the POH ASDA tables aid in the comparison, with safety factor for grass surface, be it dry or wet? The typical safety factor on an ASDA on wet grass, is 1.3x on take off, and 1.35x on landing, before applying public transport style safety factors. My understanding is if the ASDA table is published it is treated as a limitation.

If it is soft going you then have the condition of using flaps and lifting off below safety speed, and accelerating in ground effect to safety speed. The Twin Otter I believe charts this for gravel runways, not sure the Baron or Navajo?

I SOP my F33A with Baron main wheels just for tarmac and dry firm grass. I know it is capable to deal with slightly worse, but not Alaskan Super Cub, worse conditions.

Adam, If you read what Andy wrote, he specifically stated that he doesn’t have a Hangar big enough for a 500 Commander

Oh. Blame it on the wine.

Oh. Blame it on the wine.

A Commander is worth finding a bigger hangar. Aspect ratio is a wonderful thing.