We are currently considering adding an MU2 Solitaire to our F model.

However, the siren song of a 501sp is alluring. Especially after reading Mike Tarver’s thread titled “hyper milling a 501”, which tells me I can likely get the same range in a 501 vs a Solitaire for perhaps 30-40% higher fuel burn. (For reference our standard trip is 880nm) The higher fuel flow of the 501 is easily offset though capital saving as I could likely buy a 501 for about 150-200k less than a Solitaire, plus the 501 gives the ability to fly above weather.

The attraction to the Solitaire is that I won’t have to do another “type rating” equivalent, I can basically hop in with 10 hours of mentor time and be done. I have not asked but I am sure my insurance company will be on board with that, especially as I am booked for Simcom and upset training in February.

I remember Mike Tarver inviting Mike C in the past to do a “type rating” over a 2-3 day period followed by a DPE exam.

My question to the group is what would be the shortest but most sensible way of moving into a 501. Would most insurance companies be satisfied with say 25 hours in type or will they ask for 50 hours dual as well? For reference my experience is about 50 hours of Turbine time (40 in a MU2) ~1000 hours in a 421 and another 1000 hours in a P210.

Thanks in advance.

Didn't you just get the MU2 this year? Already looking to upgrade?

I bought my 501 with about 200 hours of turbine time, 3300 TT, and I was previously typed in a CL65 and CE525. Type rating was 3-4 days, and I had to do 25 hours of mentor time (insurance company requirement). No big deal. If it's your first type rating, you might get some more requirements.

Highly recommend Arizona Type Ratings. Mitch and Arne are great. All the training in your plane. Then do the mentor time on your operational trips.

What's the right number of planes to own?


One more

Hilgard

Thanks, that's what I thought, type rating and likely 25 hours dual. What other requirements do you think there could be?

I will look at Arizona Type Ratings.

Hilgard

Hilgard, no intel on jets but if you were applying to come on as a pilot in my former 135 outfit (I was Chief Pilot, Check Airman, IP, etc…) flying King Airs our insurance would be happy to have you.

Yes, some initial time in type before let loose as PIC on any flight, but totally insurable.

Thanks, that's what I thought, type rating and likely 25 hours dual. What other requirements do you think there could be?

I will look at Arizona Type Ratings.

Hilgard

One path that may help with the insurance company would be a type rating in the airplane and then “immediately “ go to sim school for a recurrent.

Not only might the insurance company ease the requirements, it is a good way to gain experience doing things that may not be able to be easily/safely demonstrated in the airplane.

I fully recognize that many here will say that doing it in the airplane is “the same”, but I don’t buy in to that theory. That may be just me, but I have seen things in the sim that you hopefully never see in the airplane …. But you might someday.

Brad

What's the right number of planes to own?


One more

Hilgard

Feel free to message me and let me know where you’re at and I can give you some advice. But I think you’re going to find is that a Citation is cheaper to operate overall than a Mitsubishi and it is an order of magnitude more comfortable and safer.

You are moving in the proper direction!

I am in this transition right now. I am using Orlando Jet Training. I live in Arizona and chose not to use the group here even though it would be more convenient.

I have 1500 hours TT, 1000 multi, zero turbine. Insurance requires 35 hours of mentor time.

Nishant,
Which insurance company and broker are you using?
Feel free to PM if you prefer.

Thanks,
Phil

I didn't have a type rating, and the insurer approved me as a mentor... because I hade more than 100 hours in type. bizzaro world.

Nishant,
Which insurance company and broker are you using?
Feel free to PM if you prefer.

Thanks,
Phil

Nishant,
Which insurance company and broker are you using?
Feel free to PM if you prefer.

Thanks,
Phil