Preferred plane

[sgenie]

What would be a preferred plane to handle 3-4 passengers with average load (say, a hunting party)?

[aviator's_anonymous]

I would say a Conquest or a Caravan.

[Suffolk Lad]

A hunting party would suggest landing maybe made in the bush so STOL capabilities and big wheels might be a good idea. Modernish designs that might cater for that requirement are Zenair's STOL CH801, four place Bearhawk, C182, If you want a bit of spare capacity then a classic DH Beaver or a Helio Courier and if you really fancy taking the Elk or Bacon home with you then a Pilatus Turbo Porter or a DH Otter.

If you want the minimalist 3 seat approach then a classic Auster or Super Cub might work for you.

[sgenie]

Thanks. One of the requirements is up to 4 people on board, which discounts a number of good machines, like 182.

[Ultralights]

Turbine sherpa. 8 seat, 200Mph cruise, land in 100 mtrs.

http://www.sherpaaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/amigos1.jpg

http://www.sherpaaircraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/774-Sherpa-test-series.jpg

[Critical Reynolds No]

http://supafly.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/handplaner.jpg

[FokkerInYour12]

http://www.4ly.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/4D-diagram3-plane.jpg

[C206driver]

Trusty old 206?
Plenty room for beers... Oh and of course bags, weapons, tucker:)

[airwolf117]

I'd say a 206 is the way to go. Good performance, and designed to land in the bush!

I like a cherokee six, as they have great performance, but I wouldn't want to land it off runway too much! If you will be using runways, this would be my choice. 4 people, plenty of space!

[sgenie]

Sounds like 206 is the winner - I guess this one is easier to find in Auckland and around than Cherokee six...

Thanks everybody, very useful suggestions all around.

[TowerDog]

C-206...

C-185s are good, more power per pound, but less room.

Got bunch of hours in both as well as C-207s, C-180s, C-182s, C-210s, C-Whatever.

The C-206 would best meet the above requirements, but for personal toy plane the C-185 would be my favorite: Raw power, macho machine..:cool:

[sgenie]

Well, since I need this for the private flights, I would chose something that can be available at short notice and I am either rated on or can get type rating on. Since I reside in Auckland, this would be my next questions - where can I get 206? Does anybody know anyone with 206 available for rent in Ardmore or North Shore? What kind of rate will I be looking at?

[Pontius]

Does anybody know anyone with 206 available for rent in Ardmore or North Shore? What kind of rate will I be looking at?

Tricky thing that Google search machine :hmm:

[sgenie]

It is, actually :) people tend to avoid publicising availability information - I found a number of them in the CAA register but it has nothing about whether the planes would actually be available.

[c100driver]

Currently no C206 available at Ardmore and I suspect not at North Shore as well.

Hire rate for a C206 would be in the order of $400 plus

Landing fees for a C206 at Ardmore are over $30 and would be similar elsewhere.

I do know that one private machine at Ardmore has occasionally been used for a type rating but chances of borrowing it is nil.

[ChaseIt]

Caravan is the way to go! Had no issues dropping off the flash packing hunters and all the gear plus the range!

[SIUYA]

When I was working in the Arabian Gulf in the late 90's, the 'preferred plane' to handle a hunting party of the locals (ruling family), complete with Falcons, guns, ammo, camping gear, food, assorted hangers-onners, etc etc was the ever-reliable B727-200.

Probably a bit out of scope though for your needs though sgenie. :8

[Blueskymine]

Airvan would be the go.

[evilducky]

+1 for airvan. easy to fly, 500-600kg load with full fuel. If you can find one to hire that is.

[sgenie]

Thanks, Siuya - somehow I have troubles imagneing a 737 landing in Turangi :ok:

[nitpicker330]

Or even the 727 he mentioned!!:D

Need your eyes checked I think....

[slackie]

I reckon you'd get bo the the 72 and 737 on the ground at Turangi....trouble is they wouldn't be in any condition to depart again! :}

[sms777]

I suggest go to your local video shop and get a copy of "Air America" with Mel Gibson and what's his name in it. You will find the perfect "plane" you are looking for....:ok:

[hiwaytohell]

This would be my suggestion (courtesy of Linkedin)
http://aviationhumor.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/c-17navy.jpg

[sgenie]

This is perfect! I guess I found what I was looking for! Thanks, guys!

[Shredder6]

Since I reside in Auckland, this would be my next questions - where can I get 206? Does anybody know anyone with 206 available for rent in Ardmore or North Shore? What kind of rate will I be looking at?

I thought I saw an add in Pacific Wings in classified section for a C206 for hire in Auckland. Was around $390 an hour from memory (or was it $490), it seemed expensive in any case but I guess is the going rate these days.

Was about a week ago.

[sgenie]

Thanks, will check it

[sgenie]

Unfortunately, the phone number in Pacific Wings is not valid :ugh: