Preferred plane
 

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

I would say a Conquest or a Caravan.

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.

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

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

http://www.sherpaaircraft.com/wp-con...01/amigos1.jpg

http://www.sherpaaircraft.com/wp-con...est-series.jpg

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

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!

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.

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:

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?

Tricky thing that Google search machine :hmm:

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.

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.

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

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

Airvan would be the go.

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

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