Opinions on the Aerostar Please
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Coolangatta, Aus
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Opinions on the Aerostar Please
I would like some opinions on the utilisation of aerostars for charter and/or training? Any good alternative airdrame types? Are there any aerostars out there available for (cash) sale? I am keen for anybody's input.
Cheers and Thanks
Cheers and Thanks
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Coolangatta, Aus
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No play on words! I'm tending towards the 601 but have thoughts about the 600A as well. Starting to seriously consider other types but unhappy with the speed of BE58/C310 aircraft
Join Date: Nov 1998
Location: International
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Smithy, unless you are getting very premium charter rates any Aerostar is not commercially viable.
However, for the not too rich (who can't quite afford a turbine) the 601P is a lot of bang for the bucks.
But beware the maintenance and engine overhaul bills...... <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
However, for the not too rich (who can't quite afford a turbine) the 601P is a lot of bang for the bucks.
But beware the maintenance and engine overhaul bills...... <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The 'Y'
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I believe there are Aerostars about that have had the turbo chargers removed and they still go as good below A100.
Do not believe all that you hear in regards to them being a difficult and scary aircraft to handle. If you fly them by their numbers and within parameters, they are no different to anything else, except an absolute joy to fly.
Probably your biggest problem will be finding a one with reasonable hours. Like many piston twins of its ilk, they have been (sadly) out of production for many years. The Ted Smith models would really be getting on followed by Piper.
Airtex Aviation at Bankstown have been operating them for at least 15 years that I know of. Their telephone number is 02-97712111.
Do not believe all that you hear in regards to them being a difficult and scary aircraft to handle. If you fly them by their numbers and within parameters, they are no different to anything else, except an absolute joy to fly.
Probably your biggest problem will be finding a one with reasonable hours. Like many piston twins of its ilk, they have been (sadly) out of production for many years. The Ted Smith models would really be getting on followed by Piper.
Airtex Aviation at Bankstown have been operating them for at least 15 years that I know of. Their telephone number is 02-97712111.
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have owned a 600A Aerostar for 7 years, operated it in both passenger charter and occasional freight. I also had a 310R doing the same jobs. Would have to say that the Aerostar wins hands down in despatch reliability and maintenance costs compared with the 310R. Over the years the 600 was great, the engines Lycoming IO-540s (2000 hour tbo) went full life without even a cylinder off, 310s (continental) always cracking cylinders!
The aerostar doesnt have the payload capability of the 310R in terms of weight or volume, but for the 3 - 4 passenger market (typical demand) they are great.
The later models 601 602 etc with the turbos, pressurisation systems wont give such good operating costs so due to the complexity etc.
Stick with the 600 or go 310 or baron.
Finally they are great fun to fly and they look sexy (if that's possible in an aircraft)
If you ever need someone to fly one - call me!!!!.
<img src="smile.gif" border="0">
The aerostar doesnt have the payload capability of the 310R in terms of weight or volume, but for the 3 - 4 passenger market (typical demand) they are great.
The later models 601 602 etc with the turbos, pressurisation systems wont give such good operating costs so due to the complexity etc.
Stick with the 600 or go 310 or baron.
Finally they are great fun to fly and they look sexy (if that's possible in an aircraft)
If you ever need someone to fly one - call me!!!!.
<img src="smile.gif" border="0">
Guest
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If its the speed your after you might like to look at the pressurised and turbo charged B58. Man they're a great pilots machine! And like any Beach, built like the proverbial and cheap as well.
Not taking anything away from the Aerostar as I havent had the pleasure. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">
Not taking anything away from the Aerostar as I havent had the pleasure. <img src="cool.gif" border="0">
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have flown the 600, 601, 602 and the 700 Aerostars as well as the B58, B58(P), C310Q, and the C310R models and must say that the Aeostar, regardless of the model, far exceed the other types. The access for passengers to the cabin is not as easy as for the Baron, however, once seated the comfort levels are much more superior. The aerostar is quieter and quicker whilst still having a good load carrying capacity. Mechanically, the Aerostars are fantastic. The reliability of the Lycoming engines were good with the occasional problem with a turbocharger. I would recommend the 600A if you are looking for reliability verses affordability. They are only slightly slower yet offer the reliability of normally aspirated Lycoming engines. The pressurisation is not a necessity unless weather is a factor. In fact, the saving in weight allows the aircraft to perform almost as well as its more equipped brother, the 601. I would suggest you contact Airtex Aviation for any additional info, or you can send me a private email if you like. I am also happy to go and fly one with you if needed, around Sydney as I have approximately 1000 hrs on type. Good luck, I hope this has helped.
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Established.
Age: 53
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also rated and experienced on all types mentioned.
Stay away from turbochargers because of the increased costs, as they invariably always have a problem or two due to us usually.
Pressurisation systems also cost more in maintenance as well as the extra weight, and rarely work.
Lastly the Lycoming will be a lot less trouble than a Continental.
Completely wrong aircraft for training however, and when you're flying it, make sure the wings are level with the ball in the centre before you select the gear down.
Stay away from turbochargers because of the increased costs, as they invariably always have a problem or two due to us usually.
Pressurisation systems also cost more in maintenance as well as the extra weight, and rarely work.
Lastly the Lycoming will be a lot less trouble than a Continental.
Completely wrong aircraft for training however, and when you're flying it, make sure the wings are level with the ball in the centre before you select the gear down.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have owned one and operated both Aerostar & 310R.
The better machine depends on the use you have in mind for it & who you have to maintain it. Personally prefer the 310R. As for Lycomings being better than Continentals, not necessarilly. Depends on how you treat them.
By the way Smithy, did you train at Axis about 8 years ago?
The better machine depends on the use you have in mind for it & who you have to maintain it. Personally prefer the 310R. As for Lycomings being better than Continentals, not necessarilly. Depends on how you treat them.
By the way Smithy, did you train at Axis about 8 years ago?
The utility of an Aerostar changes a bit depending on if you have the short or long winged version.
Short winged is a bit faster but has a lower useable load.
Long winged is a bit slower but gains a better useful load. Can't remember how much but I think it was about 80 - 100 kg.
I've flown Aztecs, Barons, Senecas, C310, Islander, C402 & Navojos/Chieftans and I like the Aerostar. Like all a/c it has its good & bad points.
It will need more runway & carry less in less room than some of the others I mentioned but then it tends to be the fastest out of the lot.
Before buying any a/c, work out what job you need it to do then buy the plane that is appropriate & affordable.
I'd like one.
Short winged is a bit faster but has a lower useable load.
Long winged is a bit slower but gains a better useful load. Can't remember how much but I think it was about 80 - 100 kg.
I've flown Aztecs, Barons, Senecas, C310, Islander, C402 & Navojos/Chieftans and I like the Aerostar. Like all a/c it has its good & bad points.
It will need more runway & carry less in less room than some of the others I mentioned but then it tends to be the fastest out of the lot.
Before buying any a/c, work out what job you need it to do then buy the plane that is appropriate & affordable.
I'd like one.
Yep, the fuselage in front of the door is pure Commander.
They're a real weapon all right - A mate of mine holds some sort of speed record doing a straight-in, into RWY 33 at Cairns in 1990. They clocked him at a ground speed of 420kts nine miles from the end of the runway.
Captain Agro & Honkey hard at work there ... <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
They're a real weapon all right - A mate of mine holds some sort of speed record doing a straight-in, into RWY 33 at Cairns in 1990. They clocked him at a ground speed of 420kts nine miles from the end of the runway.
Captain Agro & Honkey hard at work there ... <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
