Piaggio EMS

[Cyclone7]

I am assessing the use of a Piaggio P180 Avanti 2 for an EMS operation in Africa. I realise support and wear and tear for such an aircraft in that part of the world needs to be considered, but thought it a good idea to at least start with pilots that actually have some time on that particular machine.
I need to point out that I am actually a chopper driver, so trust that the knowledgeables out there will guide me accordingly.
Thanks guys

[papazulu]

The Polish Air Ambulance Service operates 1 or more of these beauties so you might want to google/search here in the BizJet and GA forum and get hold of them.

Italy's governative bodies such Police, Army, Air Force or Fire Dept. might use it as EMS once in a blue moon but I think the polish is in full Air Ambulance config.

Regards

PZ

[Tinstaafl]

Does the Avanti have a wide door option? I seem to recall when I looked inside one that the door wasn't especially large. I'd also be concerned about the props if the flights are into rough, gravel or dirt strips.

[SNS3Guppy]

The door isn't large, but the airplane does get used for ambulance use. It definitely wouldn't be my choice for Africa, particularly if you intend to do unimproved or rough field. It's not a rough field airplane, and not a short field airplane either. It's fast and economical, but not a short, soft, or rough field airplane.

Parts for the P.180 are expensive, and some aren't easy to get, like brake assemblies.

Personally, if I were looking for an airplane to match your mission, I'd go with a King Air 200.

[Tinstaafl]

Is a multi a requirement? Perhaps a PC12 would fit the bill? Roomy and already has a large rear cargo door. Not sure about short/rough field performance although Australia's Royal Flying Doctor Service uses them in the outback. I wonder if parts & maintenance would be an issue in Africa?

[rigpiggy]

there is a reason that most airmed operators use the KA200, it does everything Okay. It's not the fastest, best Stol, longest range etc... but I digress, the Avanti doesn't have the best payload/range, costs more both in initial and operating costs. Right now a good used 200 is under 1 million add a raisbeck epic package, and new avionics ie: entegra/G600 and a dedicated sled system you should get out around 1.5 or so, buy 2 for the same price as the Avanti.

[SNS3Guppy]

Actually the P.180 has better range, goes 100 knots faster, has the same fuel burn, flies higher (FL410), and does as well or better on the payload with a bigger and quieter cabin. It just costs more, has a considerably higher approach speed, and is more suited to paved runways.

[Tinstaafl]

Yeah. I've read good things about their capabilities. And also bad things about parts costs. I wonder how their running costs compare to a B200?

[powerstall]

In comparison to a KingAir B200, the king air would be a workhorse, the Avanti would be a prancer, if you get what i mean. Dispatchability wise, the king air would be better.
but for operations in Africa where a lot of unpaved runways are abundant, i would think otherwise in using an Avanti.

[klcdenver]

P180

I have flown the piaggio for over four years and maintained two of them for one year in the Middle East. You do not want one for air ambulance in Africa. This airplane likes a friendly environment. It is not good on runways less than 4000'. With that kind of load it is really a 750 mile plane with IFR reserve. Send me PM if you want more info. Good Luck

[powerstall]

In my previous company, they had meticulously studied how the Avanti can stack up against the King Air B200.... The Avanti is as beautifil as is fast, the b200 was... well, good ol' workhorse. The Avanti would be suited better for VIP transport than the b200, but hey the b200 can be multifunctional, so as its part and services.

[zerocode]

Questions on P180 Avanti

Dear klcdenver , I hope you're still active on this forum, but anyway my question is turned to whoever may answer.

I've noticed you've opereted the P180 for over 4 years, so I would like to have your opinion about the following points:
- Can you say roughly how much the maintenance of the aircraft may cost yearly?
- How much can be the amount of a good insurance on it?
- If you did fly over Europe too, can you say how much can be the airport fees for moving and parking this type of aircraft?
- Apart its initial cost (about $ 6,500,000 basic) what would you say to whom wanted to own the aircraft privately, without using it for any commercial use?
- If I am the pilot and owner of this type of plane, what licences do I need over the basic PPL?

Sorry if my questions may look stupid, but I really have not any idea about those points.
Thanks in advance to whoever would like to reply.

Lorenzo "zerocode"