Advice on commuter aeries?

[pietmeyer]

Hi Guys

I will post the same on Avcom but as a microlighter would like to get your opinion on the following issue.

I am in the process of looking for a commuter plane. I work all over the country but would say that the longest travel leg at a time would be in the region of about 500km or say approx 300nm. I need something reasonably priced and not too slow. Looked at the Jabiru J160 but works out at about R650 000 new. this is way over my budget.
Any ideas, advice? Jora, Savanha, Bushbaby, Gulfstream, Citation?

Help please.

[Tracer]

How about adding the Cheetah to the list?

[Miskiet]

Try to go for something metal like a Raven/Zodiac. If you're working it will likely spend some time on aprons in the sun (not good for composites or Fabric covered planes).

[slysi]

I think both gulfstream and citation would be out of your budget as well!

I am sure Mr. 4ker would advocate an RV but I am not sure if you would get one under R650k but he would be in a better position to know.

I guess it will largely depend on what your budget is

[pietmeyer]

I think both gulfstream and citation would be out of your budget as well!

I am sure Mr. 4ker would advocate an RV but I am not sure if you would get one under R650k but he would be in a better position to know.

I guess it will largely depend on what your budget is

I added gulfstream and citation with the hope that somebody had one just standing around and that they might have had the strange feeling of selling it to me for R300 000.
The plane would be standing in the sun when at cients so the lap airies would not do. Anybody know of the current price range that Raven's and Zodiaks sell for?

[Houtlepel]

Hi Piet

I am in the same situation, the aircraft that will suit my needs I can not afford and the aircraft that I can afford is so damn slow that every time after I have landed I have to wash the insects of the rear window because they are flying into me from behind. (Apologies to the Cheetahs and Savannahs)

Enjoy the day!

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Flying alone, there is no doubt in my mind... - This is it....


BUT - With Rot Dollar you battle to get it for R650K, but there are some "basic" eg's on barnstormers for under $50K, but there is a local hot rod which may be as capable...

Check this machine. (I land on "bush strips" so the U/C is a bit small for me...) If it still available it is a moerse bargain....

R650K incl.
It is a real hotrod capable of 180kts on O320. You would need to have your finger out and it not a trainer, but as commuter it hard to beat... It also has an AWESOME paint job... Owner is upgrading to a legacy (230kts)

That said do not discount the Jabi 400 series. I saw 1 yesterday which guy got for R575K which is AWESOME. 120kts on around 15l an hr which has full glass panel, GPS's and 3 axis AP... There have been a couple Jabi bargains going lately and I am sure they will continue. It a huge 2 seater or a genuine 2+2...

[slysi]

Now thats a lekker pic of the meerkat

[pietmeyer]

Looks good but also a bit pricey. The Jabiru's are nice. I also looked at the Jora. It is a bit slow but seems like good value for money. I would also be landing in bush areas so the under cariage must be able to take the punishment

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Looks good but also a bit pricey.

That about R200K less than they go for in USA and then you still got to get it here.

if you doing bush strips it is OUT. Wheels are too small and landing speed is too high...

You need to match mission and budget.
All the Bush type aeries will give you around 100mph. (Too slow for my liking)
Most of the faster ones are RG's and thus are not suitable to bush strips.

Given R650K I would look at RV6A from USA. I had option on 1 for $44K before the R:$ went west. Easy to fly and nice turn of speed...

Locally there are plenty options. Just listening to you I would go test fly a Jabi J4xx.... (especially if you have luggage/samples etc you need to take with you).

PS
Just curious - Where you going? WX may also be a problem. (especially KZN, Nelspruit, Polokwane way)

[pietmeyer]

I will be flying PTA to Kimberly and PTA to Botswana most of the trips. R640 is just out of my budget at this stage. Looks like I will have to stick to 100mph max speed.
Here we are not looking at Rand Dollar rate but Rand Speed Rate. So I presume no Gulfstreams for R300k on the market

[Wart]

Then there is the Rally which is available in 2 seater and 2+2. Assembled locally and supported by the local agent.

Check out http://www.catoaerotech.co.za/ and contact Wayne. He has both the 2 seater and the 2+2 in his hangar at the moment.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Also check out Dreamwings.co.za

PS
Wayne also does the F1-EVO, which is

[pietmeyer]

The F1-Evo as well as the Rally 105 looks good. The Rally would be perfect. I have just emailed Wayne for some prices

[AndyG]

Then there is the Rally which is available in 2 seater and 2+2. Assembled locally and supported by the local agent.

Check out http://www.catoaerotech.co.za/ and contact Wayne. He has both the 2 seater and the 2+2 in his hangar at the moment.

I concur with Wart. The two machines that Wayne has in his hangar are beauties.