Cost of operation is a crucial point for an FBO. But an FBO isn't going to train with the Skylane, except for the HP rating, so cost is a balance between mission and money. A private owner will pay more for gas in a Skylane, but he gets to take three friends and fuel to the fishin' hole. There is a model for everyone, and I stand by my belief that a more expensive (read, capable) Skyhawk, is a poor competitor for a Skylane, a basic Skylane. Lipstick on a Pig, as it were. I would rather have a STOL kit on a skylane than retract. I recently flew the new Skyhawk, with FI and CS Prop. It was delightful, just as sweet as I remember. But I still can only take two friends and half tanks to my destination. All the other "upgrades" I see here shouldn't be considered so. Since when is a nice interior, fit/finish, and capable lighting with decent glass an option? On a 250k dollar a/c?
bear