Mark, you mentioned the 1993 SP and then the 2001 SPX. Are you looking at both versions? You can basically get two SP's for one SPX. The SP is a bit slower...more along the lines of Lear speeds, and it will be a step climber to get into the 40's. Not shabby at all and a good value. Many of the SPX have APU's, fewer of the previous models will have them.

The link he sent me was a 2001 SPX.

I spent a little time in the SPX. It is a great airplane! Fast as a scalded cat, FADEC, tall cabin, good range. There is an optional fuel bladder that installs in the back. I think it is either APU or fuel, not both. Even without the extra fuel, the range is good.

It has been a while, so details are a little fuzzy.

I will be in Dallas for G100/SPX training Nov 30.

If they close quickly maybe you'll be in my course.

The Astra has no problem going to Hawaii. The plane I will be flying did it just a couple of weeks ago. Typically we fly 37,000-41,000 ft. This was just the first leg, plane fueled up and continued to the South Pacific.

FWIW: the one I will fly has an APU and the extended fuel permanently installed. There were two different options of batteries installed. Usually big batteries in planes without APU, small batteries in planes with APU.

How similar (or different I guess) is the G150 to the SPX?

The SPX has DEEC's (not FADEC). G150 improvements over SPX/G100 are PL21 (from PL4), a foot wider cabin and a nose job. Probably no longer needs the block under the cabin door but that's just a guess. Same basic engine used on G150 but with higher ITT temp limits yielding a bit more power but lower speeds nonetheless.

You can get ~3-4 SPX for one G150.

Astra, isn’t that a Westwind on stilts?

No. Astra has the first computer designed super critical wing. Slats, bigger motors, bigger cabin.. pretty much the only thing that is the same is the nose and the people who built it.

That's a lot of airplane for a mill and a half.

I have always watched the Astras it's a lot of airplane and the prices are getting good.

Never really considered it a Hawaii airplane but I have seen them on the ramp over there so I know they can do it.

They have the range, but for a Hawaii trip you need extra reserves in the event of an engine failure at ETP and subsequent drift down or depressurization at ETP.

How do they do it?

Long Range o2 and mask for higher altitudes, some biz jets are more efficient on one than two for long range cruise.

Have you seen Lear 60 there?

Looks like this deal is going to happen. I might buy in for a piece. $750/hr would be my cost to fly plus fuel. Not bad.

Anybody know of an SPX typed/current guy in Scottsdale area willing to contract?

It is a 2001 SPX.

Anyone have a Flitplan.com profile for the aircraft?

Mr. H, isthe Citation gone and this is taking over or is it still around?

Awesome! Start a new thread and keep us posted