I'm sure you all have heard about this one before. If not (outsiders
), check it out here:
http://www.eclipseaviation.com/
What do you all think of this jet?
IMO this is just something amazing. Just look at the specs. They aren't really ground breaking compared to other bizjets, but you can't really compare this to a luxurious bizjet. This, IMO, has to be compared to your average piston twin. Why? Just look at the operating cost.
$200/hr? You kidding me? They charge $220/hr to rent a Piper seminole! Of course, if you add insurance & hangar fees (and poss. pilot fees) it will probably go up to $300/hr. But it sure is a hell of a price!
Now get this, it is CHEAPER to operate this airplane than a 172R! According to the off. webpage, the eclipse will cost around $.56/sm. According to PlaneQuest.com, a 172R costs $.60/sm! A Piper seminole $.93/sm!
Isn't that amazing? Of course, you gotta be one rich son of a gun to buy one of those in the first place, but if ya buy it used (in a couple of years or so after they are produced) you can probably get em for the same price as a new piston twin.
Only thing that bothers me is payload. A 172 can compete with this thing
. J'k, but ya get my point.
I wonder how much a type rating would cost. With such cheap operating costs it can't be more than $5000. And if you got some extra money, this is a real cheap way to build some turbine time. I wouldn't be surprised if flight schools start picking those up. The local flight school here is operating a King Air C90A. Operating costs around $600/hr and i think a C90 costs about the same price as the Eclipse 500 new. If i'm wrong, just correct me.
So, what are your thoughts?