Turbo normalized Cessna 177RG.

Vince

The Lancair IV-P is the best single engine plane I’ve ever flown. 270kts, 900+ range, pressurized, flies nice.

If BTers flew a Skywagon. You would all say Skywagon. My second choice would be a Bonanza

!

I need to get a ride in one.
1000% fits my mission.

But do you know anyone who can get you insured in one?

But do you know anyone who can get you insured in one?

As I recall, it was about the Lancair that an owner once said, “I’m happy to take you for a ride, but just know that if the engine quits, we will likely die.” Something about the high stall speed.

As I recall, it was about the Lancair that an owner once said, “I’m happy to take you for a ride, but just know that if the engine quits, we will likely die.” Something about the high stall speed.

The achilles heal of these composite planes is their empty weight and lack of useful load. They become 2 seaters if you need the range. At one point a SR22 had a payload of less than 400 lbs.

As a comparison, my TN A36 has 750 lbs of payload with 114 gallons of usable fuel. I can fly nearly the same speed (200 kts) carrying 750 lbs over 1,000 nm.

The M350 is a very capable airplane with speed, range, payload, and pressurization. That is probably the most capable single out there but at $1.5 million I would rather buy a TP.

never seen a 3 person P51, but what do I know?

I don't have much Bonanza time, but have thousands of hours in my C182. It'll take 3 180 lbs pax 750 miles with an hour reserve and still have enough left over for your toothbrush, if you share it!

But my wife and I are often the only ones on board. Then we can go 87 gallons usable, using 12 GPH at high cruise, and true about 148 TAS. That's a range of 925 miles with an hour reserve, and we've done that quite a few times. Now IF you can catch a 92 knot tailwind, the eastbound trip goes by quick!

CT

I got to fly a P210R in service tests. Weaknesses were climb performance and airconditioning performance on a hot 100 deg F day.

Cessna T210. Maybe because I own one. But, good speed, ample room, good useful load, plenty fuel. Too bad they still don’t make them.

Yes it had AC and Long Range Tanks. With the new 85/86 wing though it would not fit in a standard "T" Hangar. Also, the P-51 will have a hard time carrying 3 people.

For the C182 fans, the Cessna 205 was the same thing only better. The 260 hp IO470 was more efficient. Four + bags no problem.