C421s on charter operations?
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C421s on charter operations?
Been doing some sniffing around the east coast CHTR operators and I can't find anyone using C421s any more.
Even Golden Eagle no longer use their namesake!
Is it simply a matter of too much money to run?
Even Golden Eagle no longer use their namesake!
Is it simply a matter of too much money to run?
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Were they not subject to a AD last year that had a life limit of X and something like 75% of the fleet in Aust exceeded that.
Game over!
May have been another model, but I am sure it was the 421.
J
Game over!
May have been another model, but I am sure it was the 421.
J
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Yes Jaba, you're thinking of the C441. The C421 is the C414's big brother - engines are about the only difference. Those geared GTSIO-520's are expensive to run/maintain and only have a 1200 hour TBO (which can be upgraded to 1600 with a new cylinder part number) if I remember correctly. Pilots have to manage decents so that the prop never drives the engine otherwise you end up witha stuffed gearbox.
Its that same reason we don't see more Twin Commander 685's etc flying around.
Its that same reason we don't see more Twin Commander 685's etc flying around.
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
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Pilots have to manage descents so that the prop never drives the engine
Been doing some sniffing around the east coast CHTR operators and I can't find anyone using C421s any more.
Is it simply a matter of too much money to run?
Is it simply a matter of too much money to run?
A combination of the engines, pressurization and available payload.
The couple I have flown, (a B & C model) where well equipped with high empty weights. The payload would be the clincher with charter ops.
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Ahhh yes! the 441
DOH!
Sorry about that!
The SIDS thing has made them expensive to keep then I gather?
I should know better, a customer of mine has a nice one based at YRED!
J
DOH!Sorry about that!
The SIDS thing has made them expensive to keep then I gather?
I should know better, a customer of mine has a nice one based at YRED!
J
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We operate both a 421C and Navajo and there is definitely a difference in operating costs - probably about 20%. But if you need pressurisation and want to give your passengers a good smooth quiet ride and they are prepared to pay the difference, then it is a good aeroplane. As a money maker providing you can fly at lower levels , then for pax carrying, the Navajo would beat it all the time. The engine management issue is as someone else said, simply a training issue, and I think they are great engines as they are in the Titan. With slightly higher TAS than a Navajo and the ability to cruise comfortably at mid teens, for 4-6 pax they take a lot of beating in $ per mile especially if you cannot get the 1000 hr utilization you need to operate a turbine and make money.
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Cessna 421 Golden Eagle
A superb cabin with low noise levels due to slower turning propellers, good performance for a Part 23 aircraft.
I used a C421 on VIP missions in South East Asia for a number of years and it was well received due to its cabin comfort and reliability.
It certainly did the job well for our clients.
Tmb
I used a C421 on VIP missions in South East Asia for a number of years and it was well received due to its cabin comfort and reliability.
It certainly did the job well for our clients.
Tmb
