Love your posts John, of all lengths. Keep them coming.

I also like the SII idea.

If you get a wild hair and want to go with either a challenger or gulfstream I've got two guys in grand junction that could help out. Large cabin, great range, the old models are cheap to buy...guaranteed bankruptcy but lots of fun along the way

As a European, I can tell you that be glad you don't live there and own a plane. At least here in America most people have the right spirit about it and understand that it's at least been hard earned and something you've worked for, if nothing else. In Europe they're just envious and will go out of their way to try to stop you from having it. They assume you just got it from a rich uncle and never worked a day in your life by default. Tall poppy syndrome. It has to be cut down.

But I've had the same conversations as well here. Quite often I get chastised for owning an airplane, and any argument saying it's actually cheaper than your yearly golf trips, Caribbean vacations and new cars falls on deaf ears. Hey, you can't win them all.

Adam, you made me smile.
I have the same discussions with my family and friends in Europe.
I tell them I can't afford to play golf, my hobby is much cheaper.

Yes, so they make everything a huge ordeal and expense. I flew about 500 hours in Europe last year, mostly single pilot jet but also some helicopter. Everything takes 4 times as long, is 20 times more complicated, and costs 3x as much. But get ready, because that crap is coming to the USA. The mentality is changed to Europe already at many general aviation airports. All of the clarke county Nevada airports are good examples of this, North Las Vegas being the worst. You have a bunch of government employees who are not pilots running the show there, going on about TSA, TSA, TSA, and rules, rules, rules, that they don't understand even 1% of.

Most of those same people will gladly accept a ride. Hypocrites!

Looking forward to hearing how the journey goes John. It was quite a bit for me to do, but it's all just about worked out. The plane needs to be approved for RVSM and MEL (minimum equipment list) and so does the operator if that's different than the ownership entity. So, I have a dry lease with terms essentially agreed to and am having to piggy back the owner's RVSM and MEL manuals to get my operational entity approved. It's supposed to just take a couple weeks if the plane is already approved; we'll see.

Co-pilot is great at times, but can really be a hassle if one is flying multiple legs and staying at each place. Have to get the co-pilot back and forth (which most busy ones want) of get someone that can stay with you. Part 61 co-pilot requirements aren't bad, but insurer sometimes adds requirements. It's a lot to get worked out the first time, but should be much easier after that. Lot's of great advise on here from others that have done this.

Yes, so they make everything a huge ordeal and expense. I flew about 500 hours in Europe last year, mostly single pilot jet but also some helicopter. Everything takes 4 times as long, is 20 times more complicated, and costs 3x as much. But get ready, because that crap is coming to the USA. The mentality is changed to Europe already at many general aviation airports. All of the clarke county Nevada airports are good examples of this, North Las Vegas being the worst. You have a bunch of government employees who are not pilots running the show there, going on about TSA, TSA, TSA, and rules, rules, rules, that they don't understand even 1% of.

I think you're a little misinformed on the CJ3/CJ4 comparison. There have been several CJ4 owners who have went back to a 3 for various reasons. There isn't that much difference, just 20 knots and a lot more fuel burn plus longer time to climb to FL450 on the 4. The 3 is the best plane for the money in the CJ series if you're buying used. It has very good performance and will burn less fuel per mile than any of the other CJ's. Nothing wrong with a 4 but the cost diff is significant and isn't worth it it in my opinion. If you want to keep the purchase price low and go with a 500 series, I'd stick with a 560 Ultra. If I'm going to fly a jet, I'd rather have one that can easily climb above 40K feet to clear weather. Otherwise I prefer a King Air if I have to be stuck down low anyway.

From http://jetav.com/citation-excelxlsxls-jack-of-all-trades-the-jetav-blog-by-john-hall/

In fact, the Citation Excel was so similar to the Citation V/Ultra pilot-friendly flying qualities, Cessna petitioned the FAA to allow Excel single-pilot capability. This request was evaluated and ultimately denied mainly because the aircraft’s overall size and weight it “felt” like it needed two pilots (easier for the FAA to say no than yes).

Wondering if anyone knows if Sierra Industries has plans to upgrade the Citation V with Williams engines similar to what they have done on some of the other Citation models? This upgrade would make a Citation V approaching overhaul a pretty compelling bargain.

2 mil for that upgrade- it's awesome, but that's a lot of dough to put into an old bird.

I asked them this a while back and they didn't seem interested in doing it. It would probably be cheaper to just buy an Encore anyway.