"work that requires you to travel all over a large area (and is sufficiently well remunerated) something like a C210, 310 or Baron is every bit as cost effective in 2007 as they were in 1977"
Yep! The 1977 V35B that I fly today is every bit as cost effective a business tool as the 1977 C210 that I used to fly in 1977.
I joke about winning lotto and heading off to Toulouse to collect the TBM850, but the direct operating cost for 1 up personal transportation is SUBSTANTIAL.
The TBM850 is twice as quick as my Bo. The Bo uses 55 l/hr, so call it $85 an hour for fuel. Anyone in here put a fuel cost on a TBM 850
(Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66D rated 850)?
I used to think if you could afford a TBM850 then you wouldn't be too concerned about the operating costs, but that doesn't seem to be the case unless you are seriously wealthy.
A G36 would be nice, but a low time, refurbished, nicely tricked out IO550 A36 would do the job just as well - and leave a chunk of change in the bank.
Personally I would not bother with the Baron. I think the safety advantage is mostly physcological. I'd go with the single and not give a fig about the
operating costs. I'd fly the bugger everywhere.
Dr