Help Please, What Aircraft Do We Need?
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Help Please, What Aircraft Do We Need?
Not sure if this is the correct place to post this but here goes anywaY. . .
I have been looking at the possibility of starting an air-taxi company operating out of small airfields close to popular UK destinations, the aircraft would need to be at least a 15 seater and capable of landing on grass. Any suggestions as to what we could use?
Many thanks
Bob
I have been looking at the possibility of starting an air-taxi company operating out of small airfields close to popular UK destinations, the aircraft would need to be at least a 15 seater and capable of landing on grass. Any suggestions as to what we could use?
Many thanks
Bob
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The true answer depends massively upon your mission profile; range, payload, STOL capability, pressurised/non-pressurised, single or two pilot ops, etc etc.
But you could start by thinking about something like a Twin Otter. Typically 20 seats, can land and take off from almost anything, anywhere.
How about http://www.twinotter.com/ as a starting point?
Another option may be a BN Islander/Trislander (Islander typically 10 seats, Trislander around 18). http://www.britten-norman.com One of the flying mags (Pilot I think?) had an article just last month on the Islander.
I gather the Twotter and Islander types are rugged as hell and very capable on short fields, but they're not exactly hot ships with enormous range...
But you could start by thinking about something like a Twin Otter. Typically 20 seats, can land and take off from almost anything, anywhere.
How about http://www.twinotter.com/ as a starting point?
Another option may be a BN Islander/Trislander (Islander typically 10 seats, Trislander around 18). http://www.britten-norman.com One of the flying mags (Pilot I think?) had an article just last month on the Islander.
I gather the Twotter and Islander types are rugged as hell and very capable on short fields, but they're not exactly hot ships with enormous range...
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Many thanks for the reply. It would need to be single pilot op, range about 1,000 miles, capable of STOL and non-pressurized. Obviously, it's early days for us and we will be getting some expert advice on the whole thing but I was intrigued to find out what kind of aircraft we might end up with.
Thanks again and if anybody else has any suggestions . . . .
Thanks again and if anybody else has any suggestions . . . .
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Emb 110
Embraer Bandeirante if you can find one that works and a pilot that will fly it. Good workhorse and a solid aircraft. 21 seats i think and a range of 1060 nm. Good luck with the operation...always good to hear about enthusiastic new companies.
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No aircraft is suitable!
Just go out and wet lease an 15 seater for 6 months to see if your business model is viable. After 6 months start looking at your own aircraft
Just go out and wet lease an 15 seater for 6 months to see if your business model is viable. After 6 months start looking at your own aircraft
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To be honest I was expecting more postings like the one above so was pleasantly surprised and thanks for the help We will be seeking advice before we embark on this but need a bit of background before we get going.
We will be seeking advice before we embark on this but need a bit of background before we get going.
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Have a look at the F406. She is a 13 paxer max but can land on grass no probs. Make sure you look after the nosewheel though, you dont want to be doing tight turns under power on boggy ground. About 230knots TAS and massive range. A top aircraft. You might fall a bit short on the seats but you can have greater frequency because of the speed. Good luck with setting up your operation.
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I agree with most of these options for your ideaand have flown quite a few of them myself too.
The E110 Bandeirante is a gret aircraft, rugged, easy to fly and can handle rough strips and is quite good with short field performance, HOWEVER, as mentioned above, you will most definately NOT get 1060nm range with 21 pax. The ones i used to fly were configured with 15 pax seats, single seating with an aisle in teh middle and a row of 3 at teh rear, large cargo area with a massive top hinged door to access it also. With 15 pax and baggage and 2 pilots, using standard weights, i could only carry enough fuel for about 130-150nm. so they are some what limited with range when u fill them up, so although a great option you will be needing fuel stops on most of your turn arounds.
The Cessna 404 Tiatan is the best twin engine single pilot piston i have flown (havent flown them all of course
) and is a great option for up to 9-11 pax. They can carry up to around 1100kg payload with an hours fuel plus reserves. Great for freight also as they have a double rear access door for larger items and a pilot/crew access door at the front.
Twin otters, i have not flown, but get a great rap from anyone that has flown them, cheaper to operate than a E110 too but also slower so lose out on the sector times which ultimately adds flight hours and of course cost.
I think one of the most cost effective aircraft for this tho, would possibly be the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan. SIngle engine turbine, single pilot approved, reliable, comfortable and relativaly cheap and can carry up to about 14-15 pax. Only downfall is its only Single Engine.....!
And all this considering that you will be looking at second hand aircraft too. And that in itself begins to be a problem as all these aircraft types are getting older now and have high hours because they make money and all get utilised throughout there lifes and can start to look and fly a bit poorly with age. The maintenance costs also start to increase.
So my advice to you is, do ALOT of research, go and look at all these aircraft, fly in them and make sure to find a good one or 2 or 5 that suit your needs in the best condition you can find with great maintenance records.
All the Best
HTB
The E110 Bandeirante is a gret aircraft, rugged, easy to fly and can handle rough strips and is quite good with short field performance, HOWEVER, as mentioned above, you will most definately NOT get 1060nm range with 21 pax. The ones i used to fly were configured with 15 pax seats, single seating with an aisle in teh middle and a row of 3 at teh rear, large cargo area with a massive top hinged door to access it also. With 15 pax and baggage and 2 pilots, using standard weights, i could only carry enough fuel for about 130-150nm. so they are some what limited with range when u fill them up, so although a great option you will be needing fuel stops on most of your turn arounds.
The Cessna 404 Tiatan is the best twin engine single pilot piston i have flown (havent flown them all of course
) and is a great option for up to 9-11 pax. They can carry up to around 1100kg payload with an hours fuel plus reserves. Great for freight also as they have a double rear access door for larger items and a pilot/crew access door at the front.Twin otters, i have not flown, but get a great rap from anyone that has flown them, cheaper to operate than a E110 too but also slower so lose out on the sector times which ultimately adds flight hours and of course cost.
I think one of the most cost effective aircraft for this tho, would possibly be the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan. SIngle engine turbine, single pilot approved, reliable, comfortable and relativaly cheap and can carry up to about 14-15 pax. Only downfall is its only Single Engine.....!
And all this considering that you will be looking at second hand aircraft too. And that in itself begins to be a problem as all these aircraft types are getting older now and have high hours because they make money and all get utilised throughout there lifes and can start to look and fly a bit poorly with age. The maintenance costs also start to increase.
So my advice to you is, do ALOT of research, go and look at all these aircraft, fly in them and make sure to find a good one or 2 or 5 that suit your needs in the best condition you can find with great maintenance records.
All the Best
HTB
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Some great advise in above post. I TOTALLY agree on the merits of the 404, used to fly one in the Caribbean- awesome workhorse.
I doubt the C208 Caravan will be a possible option, as it is single-engine I don't think you can get it on an AOC for pax-flying.
I doubt the C208 Caravan will be a possible option, as it is single-engine I don't think you can get it on an AOC for pax-flying.
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Thanks again for all the help, I have researched each of your excellent suggestions today but, because of the length of the runways at a couple of destinations we have earmarked, the Twotter is looking the better bet because of its STOL capabilities. Getting hold of a decent one however might prove to be a bit of a problem though, unless of course . . . . . 
Last edited by manstonman; 8th Feb 2008 at 20:37.
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Getting hold of a decent one however might prove to be a bit of a problem though
I found this, which may be a starting point.
http://www.aircraftinvestmentgroup.c...r_aircraft.htm
Good luck!
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Twin Otter is a great plane. There is a place in North Carolina, I think Louisberg. The guy there had 4/5 in 2003 they were always up for sale at the right price. I believe he owns the skydive centre.