Be-58 TC. Vs PA-31-310

[Cub flyer]

Hi guys,

A friend of mine is sick of driving 15 hours in a car with his son twice a month and is looking for a plane. Distance for this regular flight will be 730mn, only 2 pax but he also wants to go on holidays with the whole family (4 pax)

I am between a Baron 58 TC (good speed, FIKI, and really good avionics) and a PA-31 1969 4000TT (FIKI but poor avionics, no gps mounted in panel for example)

I know the distance he wants to cover is better for a turboprop but he wants to pay no more than 400K, we are based in south america so prices are almost double than in USA.

The navajo seems to be the best plane for him because of the bigger cabin and payload but i want to hear some new opinions..

Thanks!!

[dirkdj]

I would also consider the Beech 58P and the 58 non turbo. The 58 will be easiest to maintain, pax will love pressurisation. Piper generally doesn't care much about parts for older āircraft. Go to BeechTalk.com for more details.

[Pace]

The Beech 58P was notoriously expensive and never very popular as a pressurised twin The 58 not a brilliant engine out service ceiling but an excellent quick twin. Navajo not great engine out but spacious and a good load carrier.
As with everything look at your mission profile and fit the aircraft that can meet that mission profile.
You can get various Cheyenne turboprops cheap

Pace

[Big Pistons Forever]

Originally Posted by Cub flyer

Hi guys,

Distance for this regular flight will be 730mn,

I vote for the Navajo. Tough, pretty reliable, handle OK and carry a good load in a comfy cabin; 730 nm is going to be a stretch though. Just doable with standard tanks if there is no headwind and a close alternate. To do this trip reliably you would need the aftermarket aux tank mod.

Another type to consider is a Cessna 402C or even better its pressurized brother the C 414A. That would be my preferred choice. Nice comfy pressurized, air conditioned cabin, 200 gals of fuel in the stock configuration and a very nice handling aircraft.

[Cub flyer]

Thanks for the answers.. i have another question which i couldn`t find it in google, is it possible to install a whole new De-ice equipment in the navajo scince the beggining? (plumbing, pumps, boots, windshield and the electrical de ice system on the props) or that was just made by the factory?