The Jetprop is a great plane for that mission. I know a few owners and they all get huge value out of it, with really minimal or zero downtime. The owner satisfaction is very high; a mile apart from the general piston GA situation where so many struggle with downtime and other hassles.
If my “ground situation” where I am based was better I would buy one immediately. Well, I still enjoy low level flying and getting pics, and that is the one thing you lose with any turbine with a pressurised hull, except that an external camera obviously still works. I have met one JP owner who had a nicely mounted one under the wing.
This aircraft is for sale, Doug Jackson on the Cessna 300/400 Facebook page.
@Peter
Thank you for the input. I agree with you about low level/scenic flight. But I can still do this from time to time with a rental aircraft.
@HBadger
The aforementioned plane has a space in a hangar in Geneva. While not the closest airport it still convenient for me.
And taking off from LSGG, it is not mandatory to land at a customs airport at destination if you remain within Schengen area.
Xlr8tr wrote:
Doug Jackson on the Cessna 300/400 Facebook page
Where?
That 340 is quite cool! Probably not as economical and reliable as the jetprop, but it ticks all my boxes.
rschris wrote:
I can still do this from time to time with a rental aircraft.
Once you get into ownership , it will be a difficult big sidestep to rent a lesser aircraft you are no longer familiar with. Realistically you’ll be happier wasting a little jet-fuel low-level flying in your Jetprop, if it comes to it.
HBadger wrote:
and reliable as the jetprop
Yes, the 340 is a difficult aircraft to maintain, but a nice cruiser for six people, much more space-comfortable for pilots than the Jetprop.
A Jetprop is much easier to maintain reliably than a 340, but it can still be done if you find the right shop.
boscomantico wrote:
In fact, what you are looking for (turbine, pressurization, decent cruise speed, short/grass field capability, moderate capex and opex) does not exist.
I agree. Went through a similar thought process and ended up with a B36TC as a compromise. It leaves me with room for future upgrades, like >190 lbs useful load increase and TKS. Dispatch reliability is important for me. I had considered the Malibu Mirage, but was turned off by these citations from owners and reviewers:
Cons:
Pros: