These things are hidden in the damndest places  

I finally got some time to install the GTN750 mod into the C90GTX v1.1 and did my first flight with it.  It's working great and really makes this plane for me.  Thanks Bert, sure do appreciate it.

Traded in my old C90B for this new GTX model and the custom install of the GTN750--enjoying both of them! Thanks Bert!

I just picked up the turbine duke and can't decide if I want the GTX also.   Decisions, decisions......

After flying the Duke for some time I have trouble getting excited about other twins. Hard to beat the best.

After flying the Duke for some time I have trouble getting excited about other twins. Hard to beat the best.

 

It climbs like a raped ape, and cruises so smooth.  It slows down for approach really stable as well.  Not sure spending money on the GTX would yield anything of excitement, lol.   

Well your flying one of the most expensive (real life) small twins with a hopped up larger engine and some of the best FSX flying qualities. It is like having a top fuel drag engine in your Caddy,,super powerful but also super smooth.

 

I like the idea that is an exclusive plane in real life and only for the more effluent flyers, more like the Ferrari of planes. I asked one of my flying buddies if he had ever seen one and said only once and it was magnificent.

During my initial flight training getting my PPL a very many years ago, one flew into KFCM while we were there getting fuel.  The pilot and his passengers were also getting fuel and were going to get a bite to eat.  When he noticed I was drooling down my shirt the pilot offered to show me the airplane and gave me a 30 minute walkthrough covering just about the whole aircraft.  He was a stand up guy and clearly loved seeing folks doing their flight training.  That was the only time I've ever seen one.  It was a great experience during flight training as well, seeing as I bumped into far more folks that found an inexperienced pilot going through flight training to be a pain in the arse.  I'm told if you hit the lotto, there are a few around to be had, lol.  

saw one going for 38k couple years ago.. original piston mind you.. but a B model that qualifies for the P&W conversion... very low time, and 100% hanger for her entire life. Haven't checked, but assumed that would be her destiny. Orig. motors needed TBO, but that was the only major line item.

 

 

Lottery indeed.

 

 

Even with such funds... a sound mind would consider something new... Piper M500 is real close in numbers, and can be picked up today for right around the same price range... after all... who's gonna fly with you again after a 4000 fpm take off and climb.. :He He:

Or the new M600.....     yum!!!

saw one going for 38k couple years ago.. original piston mind you.. but a B model that qualifies for the P&W conversion... very low time, and 100% hanger for her entire life. Haven't checked, but assumed that would be her destiny. Orig. motors needed TBO, but that was the only major line item.

 

Even one with both engines near TBO is still going to cost ~$100,000. Low time aircraft as you describe with decent avionics (GNS530W) would easily push $200,000. 

 

The Piper M500 is easily over $2 million. Plus you will have all the expenses of a turbine engine. Hot end overhaul on a turbine will easily run a few hundred thousand where as you can buy two factory overhauled pistons for the Duke for much less. 

Tough Decision huh?

 

I'd take the Duke hehe

 

(both my pics)

 

IMG_3574 by ryan b, on Flickr

 

IMG_3961 by ryan b, on Flickr

If purchasing an airplane were only that easy... By the time I did the math on how much it was going to cost me to just own (not fly) a fast SE Piston that could carry my family of 4 + baggage I discovered I could rent an airplane for 100 hours and still have money left over for hamburgers. Not to mention it was going to cost me thousands just to fine a good airplane and have it inspected. Just prepurchase alone I could rent an airplane for 5+ hours. 

 

Sure owning an airplane is cool, but actually flying an airplane is even cooler and not have the bird sit at an airport as a money pit that I am afraid to take up or it will cost me thousands. Boats and planes, cheaper to rent them!

I don't think I'll ever even wind up being able to consider owning an aircraft......   BUT.....    with the one powerball per month I buy, if I ever win that sucker (given it's over say 100mil or so), I will be on my way to the piper dealer to agonize over the decision between the m350, m500, and m600.  The duke is amazing, but if I can buy I can likely buy new, with a warranty and that'll at least keep the first few annual inspections under control.  

 

It's fun to dream a little.  

Unless I come up with a way to pick the powerball, I will not have to decide between a new Airplane and a Duke T. KenG is correct though. As nice as it sounds, owning a plane and especially doing your own flying and management of the plane is a lot more time consuming than most ever realize. I guess I am a bit more practical as I have gotten older. One thing for sure, if I hit the Lotto then I will have one of two Home flight sims that will water your eyes.