Island Hopping

[zanlos]

Hi Guys,

Was wondering if any one could help. I am looking for an aircraft to do short hops of about 200km (thus speed is not a real issues) for about 10 -12 pax. It’s into shortish dirt strips but they are at sea level. Any good ideas at what type of aircraft would be appropriated?

[CathayBrat]

The title of your post says it all, you need the BN2/B islander, 300hp a side, 10 seats and a big baggage box at the back. Noisy and fairly slow (120kts) i know, but reliable and can get into any dirt strip i've ever seen,and i've always enjoyed flying it (400 hrs on type). Enjoy your trip.

[Mal_206]

I agree with CathayBrat. I used to Fly one between some Islands and is a wonderful Machine that will land anywhere.
Extremely simple and easy to fly too.

Enjoy :ok:

[zanlos]

Cheers Thanks guys appreciate your prompt replies.

Many thanks

Zanlos

[B200Drvr]

One small but rather important point, unless you are in South Africa you are going to battle to find Avgas. The plane for such trips in Africa is the C208b, and they out number BN2's by about 20-1 here.

[B Sousa]

Spend some money, get a Twin Otter

[Solid Rust Twotter]

You may have difficulty with over water ops in a single.

[tinpis]

Oh.....there you are......:hmm:

[Mal_206]

I agree about the Avgas, MAJOR Prob now.
We operated one in Northern Mozmabique and was often grounded due to fuel.
I agree with B Sousa, Get an Otto.
Or maybe A let 410. Some guys are operating one now in place of an isnlader and are very impressed with it.
But then operating costs obviously much higher, and you have to pay to pliots. :ok:

[B Sousa]

Mal. That wasnt out of Pemba, was it??

[RunwayBlueOne]

Bert- They are running the Let 410's all over- also Inhaca

[flyboy2]

Various models of Let 410's have for many years been flying all over Africa.
In Mocambique there are several operators, like at Beira & until recently at Vilankulo [to the islands.]
The LET is very rugged, can take 17 or 19 passengers [ depending on version],has some advanced features, does short take-off's & landing.
Check out the spares availability for your area.It uses JetA1 which is more widely available than AVGAS.

[Mal_206]

Yes B Souse, Was out of Pemba, worked there for just over a year.
Loved it! And now miss it very much!
You know the operation?

[Fat Reggie]

Then lease a Pilatus Porter. Orr locks come installed.

[aviator2007]

Zanlos, check your PMs