It sounds like this is a custom built or owned hangar, not your average rented one, which explains the reluctance to change it.

If the forum police allow, may I suggest a TBM? 42 ft wingspan, less than a 414A, so will fit your hangar easily. I personally prefer a twin. TBM700 runs about $1.5M, so not cheap, alas, but about the same as a 441.

It will cost less to run than a 425, especially per mile, it outperforms the 425 by a LOT.

Also, being a single, it is NOT subject to 91.409(f), so there will not be any SIDs. Ever.

It is completely arbitrary that twins and singles are treated so differently when they are otherwise very similar, but them is the rules.

Mike C.

Thank you Mike, I appreciate your input.

I would love a TBM and might own one someday but it's not on my radar now for two reasons:

First, as I mentioned earlier I have six daughters and the ability to seat seven to eight small people in a Conquest (just like my 414) is a requirement.

Secondly, and probably more importantly, the price difference to a TBM or a 441 is too much for me right now. My budget tops out at 800 AMU's.

Would a Riley 421 turbine conversion be cheaper to operate? 2 of them on controller right now under 800.

You are in the heart of Merlin country. Fits your budget and mission perfectly. Compared to a 425 you get more room/pressurization/speed/comfort at similar or better budget.

Looks like a nice Cheyenne 2XL listed on controller with -135s/4 blade props....8 seats....listed at $765k. Might be worth a look!

I have no financial interest or otherwise in this aircraft. Just throwing out another possibility.

The dimensions on the 425 & 2XL look pretty close (re: hangar space/footprint).

Herpes. I'll never get rid of it.

But won't fit in my hangar.

Yeah....I've just never been too hot on a Cheyenne. I just like Conquests better, and they're only slightly more money than a Cheyenne.

But does it fit in the hangar?

Wingspan 46 ft 3 in, about 2 ft more than 414A.

Mike C.

We all have those limitations.

8 people.
Fits in hangar.
Under $800K.
Performance.

425 is a nice airplane and can fit in those parameters.

Mike C.

I Second. I was chatting with Juan yesterday about my C90. He had a 425 in his shop and was telling me 'bout it. Unfortunately, the previous owner got behind on inspections and several will have to be done. On one of these, they have to remove the entire interior including insulation to inspect for corrosion and AF stress; remove boots and check under etc. Getting a top-notch pre-buy from a shop that knows these planes is very important. Some shops that have been around awhile know many of these birds and what to look for. Ed Bacon charges annual fees because certain things have to be done to comply with that program. In the case of the above bird, they got Bacon's inspection program and it appears, did not keep it in compliance. Just another aside, and this could happen on any plane, in reviewing log book entries, they found one that said the hobbs was over logging time and adjusted it back a percentage (which turned out was just enough to make the plane pre-a big inspection). Be very careful of a plane brought over from another country where the same inspections may not be required or the log entries are a bit lax.
Good luck. There are good ones out there, just a much smaller pool from which to choose.

Our shop was involved in several SID inspections. Our conclusion, SID was a guy who worked for Cessna in assembly during the peak of production of the 425. We assume on his death bed he suggested that the airplanes he put together should be looked at closely.
On aircraft that have had good maintenance, low time operating in a non corrosive environment, we found manufacturing issues as much a factor as wear, tear or corrosion.

As for the legality of the mandated inspection and the interpretation of "Current" with reference to inspection programs was more than interesting. It may have given some operators an out if they identified an earlier inspection program and could deliver it to their maintenance facility. That ship has likely sailed for newer owners of these aircraft.

As for recurring SID events, the program was revised, if your aircraft is on Cessna's CPCC ( corrosion prevention and control program) most of the recurring inspections can be moved to an hourly basis rather than calendar basis. Many operators my be on soft food before hitting some of these limits. Also on one of the most intrusive portions, wing de-mate the original SID called for inspection panels to be installed for future inspections of attach hardware negating the need for recurring de-mate.

The Conquest is a great performer, good flying and comfortable. I would not purchase one that has not had a SID completed as that will limit the market greatly if you want to sell. The aircraft suffers the same issues as most aircraft of its age. Most of those involved in its production have retired, technical support is limited to some new hire reading the manual to you. The manufacturer of any of any aircraft this vintage can kill the fleet at will by ceasing parts support or pricing them such that they eliminate all but the very well finically endowed owners. The pricing structure issue we are seeing now with increases in the hundreds of percent over the last couple years.

Where can one find more details on this program?

What does it cost to get on it, and stay on it?


Heed those words. You not only buy a plane, you buy the company behind it.

It doesn't take an old plane to be in this situation. Ask any early serial number Eclipse owner.

This situation is mostly created by the FAA rules giving manufacturers too much power, which is against federal law. Only the FAA should have the power to issue what are effectively ADs.

Mike C.

Mike: Remind me but isn't that an issue with Eclipse? You have to go to their service centers as they won't or haven't certified others. It that correct? There were also costs to stay in their approved programs IIRC. Makes it very hard to shop or get things done elsewhere.I think Tesla is doing the same; they have to perform most maintenance and one has to pay a fee to keep the warranty on service. Maybe I'm confusing them.

Just to illustrate when you look closely at some of these, they may be a bit scary