BE 200 OPERATION IN AFRICA
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Europe
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BE 200 OPERATION IN AFRICA
I WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME FEEDBACK FROM BE200 PILOTS , OPERATORS IN AFRICA. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PLANE IN TERM OF PERFORMANCE, PROFIT AND OPERATION IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD ? I AM VERY INTERESTING ABOUT EVERY GOOD AND BAD COMMENTS.
LOOKING TO HEAR FROM YOU ,
GUSTO
LOOKING TO HEAR FROM YOU ,
GUSTO
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gusto
The 200 has to be one of the better machines for African operations. It is extremely versatile in that it has the range to cross a country the size of D.R.C. without refuelling and can then tackle a 1000m strip with ease. One just has to look at it's success story for Raytheon/Beechcraft. You don't sell that many machines easily.
I would imagine that they are profit makers for the owners judging by large numbers of them flying for the various UN organisations. From a pilots perspective, I have been flying one for over a year in Central Africa with few problems and rate it as one of the best machines about in its class. Its a pleasure to fly and is responsive to input which is often needed here. The locals seem to think that runways and airstrips make good grazing grounds for livestock and even better markets, making go arounds par for the course. The only other aircraft that rivals it for bush operations is the Caravan, if only they could extend the range. Having said all of the above, there are plenty of Russian machines about plying their trade and they also seem to be doing well.
The 200 has to be one of the better machines for African operations. It is extremely versatile in that it has the range to cross a country the size of D.R.C. without refuelling and can then tackle a 1000m strip with ease. One just has to look at it's success story for Raytheon/Beechcraft. You don't sell that many machines easily.
I would imagine that they are profit makers for the owners judging by large numbers of them flying for the various UN organisations. From a pilots perspective, I have been flying one for over a year in Central Africa with few problems and rate it as one of the best machines about in its class. Its a pleasure to fly and is responsive to input which is often needed here. The locals seem to think that runways and airstrips make good grazing grounds for livestock and even better markets, making go arounds par for the course. The only other aircraft that rivals it for bush operations is the Caravan, if only they could extend the range. Having said all of the above, there are plenty of Russian machines about plying their trade and they also seem to be doing well.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Back in AFRICA!!
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Generali/LRS/UN100/HC100/// is right..well put. But!! Its weak! Those wing spars have come a drift on a couple of times ..respect the CG and your turbulence speeds and youll grow old. Chase the Barbers pole and CIAO!
Hey General , are you going home for christmas...can I come and relieve you for a bit, apparently need to settle some outstanding bills there and here for that matter....Swissair has screwed up the market here a wee bit..
cheers
kik the tyres light the fires ..God I love the smell of the new Jet A 1 aftershave!!
hb4g
[ 05 October 2001: Message edited by: 4granted ]
Hey General , are you going home for christmas...can I come and relieve you for a bit, apparently need to settle some outstanding bills there and here for that matter....Swissair has screwed up the market here a wee bit..
cheers
kik the tyres light the fires ..God I love the smell of the new Jet A 1 aftershave!!
hb4g
[ 05 October 2001: Message edited by: 4granted ]
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Northern Hemisphere
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On careful scrutinization of the Jeppesen HL 11/12. A flight across the D.R.C in a BE20 that block TAS's at 285 kts would infer one pax plus crew, which questions its "extreme versatility" and financila viability. Although landing comfortably within 1000m is run of the mill, the ASDA and net take-off path performance seem to be somewhat outside the ICAO requirements...? However, my findings are based on the old (1994) BB model graphs. I have negligently not attained the latest performance graphs and am VERY eager to get my hands on them, so I too can achieve the mentionned performances, increasing revenue to my operator and securing my future position, even though I do not hold a TEST PILOT rating.
An added note to one of the "better machines":
GENERAL pls fax suggestions on how I could reduce my two pages of differed snags and AOG snags to 0800-LETSBSCAA
Provided that the above mentionned snag list excludes the aircon, it IS a "pleasure to fly"...
An added note to one of the "better machines":
GENERAL pls fax suggestions on how I could reduce my two pages of differed snags and AOG snags to 0800-LETSBSCAA
Provided that the above mentionned snag list excludes the aircon, it IS a "pleasure to fly"...
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Airforce 1
"Nambia" ... If you mean Zambia then yes, 4 months on a C208. If you mean Namibia, then also yes, 7 months on a C210.
Finnished
Just shows you what a good machine it is to be able to fly with all those snags.
4Granted
Hope to see you here soon, otherwise there is talk of something starting in Somalia. Speak to the Big man down South.
"Nambia" ... If you mean Zambia then yes, 4 months on a C208. If you mean Namibia, then also yes, 7 months on a C210.
Finnished
Just shows you what a good machine it is to be able to fly with all those snags.
4Granted
Hope to see you here soon, otherwise there is talk of something starting in Somalia. Speak to the Big man down South.
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Back in AFRICA!!
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Putco
Try SABENA theyre looking for busdrivers......in Lome...Otherwise hows it going....
Generali
Cheers mate, got your email...and yup Im in contact with the Big man...
Might be somthing happening here soon...pizza making in a little shop down the road...
cheers big ears
4g
Try SABENA theyre looking for busdrivers......in Lome...Otherwise hows it going....
Generali
Cheers mate, got your email...and yup Im in contact with the Big man...
Might be somthing happening here soon...pizza making in a little shop down the road...
cheers big ears
4g
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Europe
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi General,
Did you fly in zambia for dhl on the 208?
Because i don't know other c208 in zambia (if it was before may 2001)
If yes,please give some infos about this operations.
Thanks and safe fly.
Did you fly in zambia for dhl on the 208?
Because i don't know other c208 in zambia (if it was before may 2001)
If yes,please give some infos about this operations.
Thanks and safe fly.
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
4144r
I flew the Van for DHL. The dynamics of the operation have changed and unfortunately I am not sure who is running the operation now. Your best bet is to chat to one of the pilots who come into Lusaka regularly.
Airforce 1
Okay, so you know who I am! Who are you? Any clues?
4granted
I'll have some Afghan bacon and banana on my pizza please. Don't burn the base!!!
Happy landings to all who might find themselves based in the various holes!!!!
[ 13 October 2001: Message edited by: The General ]
[ 13 October 2001: Message edited by: The General ]
I flew the Van for DHL. The dynamics of the operation have changed and unfortunately I am not sure who is running the operation now. Your best bet is to chat to one of the pilots who come into Lusaka regularly.
Airforce 1
Okay, so you know who I am! Who are you? Any clues?
4granted
I'll have some Afghan bacon and banana on my pizza please. Don't burn the base!!!
Happy landings to all who might find themselves based in the various holes!!!!
[ 13 October 2001: Message edited by: The General ]
[ 13 October 2001: Message edited by: The General ]
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Dock of the bay.
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
putco is right: one of the finest aircraft ever built. I would fly one any day. There is really just no other mass production aircraft out there that has its short/rough field performance and fast cruise. As for tearing the wings off them, the few times that has happened, it would have killed any other aircraft except perhaps a Jetstar (four engine bizjet from the 60's). I know of a guy who forgot to set his flaps on a F90, stalled out at about 50' and made a very hard three point landing. They had to truck the plane out, but the wings were still firmly attached to it. Come to think of, same thing with a 200 and they flew that one out after having a very close look at it. It was a bit crooked though and needed a 1000 hours of TLC when the mechs got it back.
Now the 200 is not the cheapest, but it is rugged, reliable, espescially the engines, and 1200NM with a 60-100 minute reserve is possible if you are careful and use LRC to adjust. Mind you I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the Congo, but to each his own.
Great aircraft-highly recommended.
putco: probably see you soon, keep beer cold, look after Barbie Jet
Now the 200 is not the cheapest, but it is rugged, reliable, espescially the engines, and 1200NM with a 60-100 minute reserve is possible if you are careful and use LRC to adjust. Mind you I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the Congo, but to each his own.
Great aircraft-highly recommended.
putco: probably see you soon, keep beer cold, look after Barbie Jet
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Some Place
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wonder if you could spend a minute or to advise me on Flying in South Africa, any tips or advice, however limited will be most appreciated!
I'm an Instructor in the UK, with all the ratings and Frozen ATPL CPL/IR, MCC, TT 800 etc (Current on Seneca II)
and want to move on to Charter work, flying anything that's got two engines, literally the King Air would be excellent but I'd settle for anything.
I know a friend who did very well out in SA, and i'm told that there is plenty work out there. I'm single and prepared to give it a whirl but need advice as to the best way to make it happen.
Is the King Air a good rating to get in/for SA employment ?, how much will it cost ? and who's recruiting ?
Should I consider going out on holiday to look around ? or do you think I should try and get contacts to speak to through you good ppruners ?
Best of luck to you all, and hope to get some tips real soon.....
Email: [email protected]
I'm an Instructor in the UK, with all the ratings and Frozen ATPL CPL/IR, MCC, TT 800 etc (Current on Seneca II)
and want to move on to Charter work, flying anything that's got two engines, literally the King Air would be excellent but I'd settle for anything.
I know a friend who did very well out in SA, and i'm told that there is plenty work out there. I'm single and prepared to give it a whirl but need advice as to the best way to make it happen.
Is the King Air a good rating to get in/for SA employment ?, how much will it cost ? and who's recruiting ?
Should I consider going out on holiday to look around ? or do you think I should try and get contacts to speak to through you good ppruners ?
Best of luck to you all, and hope to get some tips real soon.....
Email: [email protected]
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Intl Space Station
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
001
This question gets asked a lot,and so far Im seeing that its not being responded to. There should howerver be loads of info in the archives, but I dont know if the search engine is up and running anymore.
For you Ex pat guys coming out to Sunny SA, Its not that easy as we all suffer from the Affirmitive action. There are a lot of young pilots like myself looking for work here in SA (being Seouth Efrikun of course)Ive been trying to get a King air on my licence for a couple of months now and they are very difficult to find for hire and fly or training, and of course very expensive with our Ronds falling through the aarse....
So good luck but I recomend you stay in "sunny" Uk and leave Africa to us Africanophones...
no hard feelings..
ps maybe sombody would like to post a detailed list of procedures and companies who would assist in giving our work away to expats looking for jobs.
This question gets asked a lot,and so far Im seeing that its not being responded to. There should howerver be loads of info in the archives, but I dont know if the search engine is up and running anymore.
For you Ex pat guys coming out to Sunny SA, Its not that easy as we all suffer from the Affirmitive action. There are a lot of young pilots like myself looking for work here in SA (being Seouth Efrikun of course)Ive been trying to get a King air on my licence for a couple of months now and they are very difficult to find for hire and fly or training, and of course very expensive with our Ronds falling through the aarse....
So good luck but I recomend you stay in "sunny" Uk and leave Africa to us Africanophones...
no hard feelings..
ps maybe sombody would like to post a detailed list of procedures and companies who would assist in giving our work away to expats looking for jobs.
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Africa
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The 200 is a great aircraft for Africa. In terms of wing failures, from what I understand is that there have been either three or four in the history of the King Air and one of these was on a 90. Each time the wing has failed just outboard of the aileron/flap line. That is not a bad failure rate if you consider what the King Air has been put through and if you consider the numbers. About 1750 200's, (civil), 250 300's, over 1600 C90's etc. If you consider the hours flown by this fleet, you will gain further respect for this aircraft. Expensive to run, yes, but aviation is generally expensive these days.All in all, give me a 200 in Africa any day!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Have not heard that many 200's that lost a wing, with one the rumour goes that it was down to damage not been repaired correctly, but same place outside edge near airleron. couple of good people lost in that one......the other was i think in namibia some time back, accident report said something about selecting reverse in flight....say no more !!
Once saw a 200 take 26 pax during emergency evacuation and still fly a couple of hours back to base. others operating have well over the 20,000 hrs mark.. DC3 mark 2 by the sounds of it..Not a bad bus at all.....
Once saw a 200 take 26 pax during emergency evacuation and still fly a couple of hours back to base. others operating have well over the 20,000 hrs mark.. DC3 mark 2 by the sounds of it..Not a bad bus at all.....
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Belgium
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can any of you guys give info or your own experience about landing problems/failures with the BE90 and / or BE200? I know of own experience and of other pilots that the nose wheel needs to be looked after in terms of maintenance i.e. steering problems and I know of one ‘spontaneous’ nose wheel collapse on a BE200 on landing!
Cheers
LX
Cheers
LX
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Rhodesia
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi - I have never had any hassles with the 200 nose wheel, even on the roughest tracks. Knocked the gas out of a B1900 nose oleo though on some nasty PSP.
MaxTorque - BarbieJet understood and will scream to Abuja on Sunday. How about some cold Tiger beer?
MaxTorque - BarbieJet understood and will scream to Abuja on Sunday. How about some cold Tiger beer?