Obviously I will keep the old RG, a fantastic airplane for long range/load/ ILS flying/ stable and just about bullet proof but I need to step it up and need a little insight on what these owners love and hate about their magic carpets. Depreciation is great for both so they both hold their respective values better than any other turbo prop. I can just buy a new PC-12 without much ado but I could save a ton with a fractional or partner. I'll be moving to Florida (Naples) area or Sarasota in an aero communities I need to make a move this year. Any suggestions? These would also include good places to live in Florida where I can hanger 2 planes in my garage attached to the house next to the runway.

Thanks in Advance,
Tim

Just spent 5 hrs in the NG, and every time I fly it I love it more. It's such a great airplane. That said, the TBM 900 is awesome too, and faster. I think it all comes down to how many people you need to haul. If you're going to regularly take 5 or more, get the PC12.

I really like the 900's numbers but I'm 6'6" and that makes it a pain in that small cabin, the PC-12 is a dream for guys my size but the extra costs might not be worth it

The size of the load should give you an answer.

How do you fit in the Cessna 182?

Rgs

Patrick

If you can't fit in a 182g, you're a freak of nature. At 6'6" I can barely see over the dash and have to pull the seat way up to hit the rudders pedals. I can't imagine anyone flying one under 6' tall without a booster seat.

That being said, the 900 is a real tight fit with load being about the same with more speed, I do plan on trips with more people once retired so the PC-12 would be the best fit but I can always lease one when the need arises I assume and get the 900 for most missions,.

You want to sell your 700 Mike, you live next to me?

Pc12 is great, it's just a little slow. The 50 knot difference between the planes is real, especially on headwind days. I don't like flying piston speeds while paying jet A fuel burns.

Bathroom is a big deal though. With female work passengers, we are usually stopping around the 3hr mark no matter what. Oddly enough, my block speeds, with a stop, on 1300mile trips are usually the same as a pc12 with no stop, and I am slightly slower than a tbm900.

The TBM has full length seat tracks and adjustable rudder pedals so I think you can make it work and be comfortable. The PC 12 cockpit is a bit roomier though I don't think the seat back reclines much if that matters.

Most of these airplanes don't put a lot of thought into the comfort of check writers wh sit up front.

I didn't need the PC12 passenger capacity, the TBM has adequate range for me and I like the extra speed. Both are easy to fly and extremely well built. Look at your needs, figure out which is more comfortable and buy what you want.

Tim,

I need to change that........I sold the 700C2 this past March and currently fly an 850.
If you are in the area look me up!

The C2 was a great plane. The 850 with the G1000 is even better.
Perfect bird for my missions.

If you had a PC-12 and an R182 and had a long-range flight with an ILS at the end, would you really take the 182 all that often? Sure, it's a rounding error in the cost department, but it's not in the time and hassle department.

I tend to think the PC-12 will hold its value better. TBM has a semi-frustrating to owners pattern of releasing new models with improvements that put pressure on the value of prior models more than Pilatus' changes.

TBM 900 is faster but I think will really drop in value compared to the PC12..... TBM 900 competes with VLJ's more than PC12 does. Even more new VLJ's coming out.

How about a $1.5MM Mustang or Phenom 100 if you're not carrying many people anyways?

I've never flown in either, but I would gravitate towards the PC12. Nothing against the TBM, just think the PC12 has more positive check marks in the comparison.

I agree with JC's comment on jets if payload isn't a dominate factor. I've been pleased with the CJ.

You get the lav and the cool factor with the jet. TBM's are expensive.

Yep. Isn't there another 300 for sale just emailed out.

I agree. The Pilatus is just awesome because you can take two families. But if you don't need that why not just go twin turbojet. In the 1.5m range there's just a ton of value there.