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By TheNumbers
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from By TheNumbers
wrote 6 years 45 weeks ago
from By TheNumbers
wrote 6 years 42 weeks ago
The new Cessna flew over Whitman today.
I can't tell from the pictures if it was metal or composite, but I can tell that it didn't look all that slick aerodynamically. The wing is a huge change for Cessna, and is likely much more efficient, especially at altitude. (also, it looked like their may be some STOL technology on the front of the wing? Am I dreaming? Cessna wouldn't be that revolutionary, forget it). However, the fuselage still looks a little rough. If they want a home run, they will need composite technology, or some way to make a much curvier aluminum structure.
Also, I can't tell if its a 4, or a 4 plus 2, but it did not look like a real 6 seater from the pics.
One thing the folks in Wichita really need to change from this prototype is the windows. They look much to small. The side windows should be much larger. Someone find the guy that made the Citation windows, and put him in charge of the doors.
I can't tell from the pictures if it was metal or composite, but I can tell that it didn't look all that slick aerodynamically. The wing is a huge change for Cessna, and is likely much more efficient, especially at altitude. (also, it looked like their may be some STOL technology on the front of the wing? Am I dreaming? Cessna wouldn't be that revolutionary, forget it). However, the fuselage still looks a little rough. If they want a home run, they will need composite technology, or some way to make a much curvier aluminum structure.
Also, I can't tell if its a 4, or a 4 plus 2, but it did not look like a real 6 seater from the pics.
One thing the folks in Wichita really need to change from this prototype is the windows. They look much to small. The side windows should be much larger. Someone find the guy that made the Citation windows, and put him in charge of the doors.
from By TheNumbers
wrote 6 years 45 weeks ago
I won't pretend to predict the future on the VLJ issue. I hope it works out though.
One thing that won't happen will be Eclipses costing less to operate than Meridian's.
While Piper may not be able to sell any new ones, the nearly new ones will still be less to buy, and much less to operate than an Eclipse.
A D-Jet would be your choice to cost less, it has a single engine.
What I will be willing to predict is that the Diamond is safer than any of the others.
One thing that won't happen will be Eclipses costing less to operate than Meridian's.
While Piper may not be able to sell any new ones, the nearly new ones will still be less to buy, and much less to operate than an Eclipse.
A D-Jet would be your choice to cost less, it has a single engine.
What I will be willing to predict is that the Diamond is safer than any of the others.
from By TheNumbers
wrote 6 years 40 weeks ago
The beard will likely have to go unless you can find evidence that it will work with the masks. If your religion will not allow an exception, you may have a hard time with that. While I respect your religious freedoms, I want my pilot to be conscious in an emergency and all my experience with masks would make me question whether it was not a danger.
If that is just not a possibility, you can always get a job flying non pressurized aircraft. In fact, you may try other branches of the military who have more light planes and helicopters. Don't stop with the recruiters, they are not paid to fill pilot jobs. Use the internet to find some Chaplains.
As for discrimination post 9-11, I would say that you can overcome this. Fly freight, fly for a foreign carrier, or fly for a company that will allow it. Presently, the airlines are having a hard time getting some of their laid off pilots to come back because they now prefer their freight jobs.
Besides, by the time you are ready for an airline job, the whole terror thing could be behind us. Not likely, but we can hope.
If that is just not a possibility, you can always get a job flying non pressurized aircraft. In fact, you may try other branches of the military who have more light planes and helicopters. Don't stop with the recruiters, they are not paid to fill pilot jobs. Use the internet to find some Chaplains.
As for discrimination post 9-11, I would say that you can overcome this. Fly freight, fly for a foreign carrier, or fly for a company that will allow it. Presently, the airlines are having a hard time getting some of their laid off pilots to come back because they now prefer their freight jobs.
Besides, by the time you are ready for an airline job, the whole terror thing could be behind us. Not likely, but we can hope.
from By TheNumbers
wrote 6 years 42 weeks ago
Many of the trainer planes were independently compared by Embry Riddle and the USAF Academy in a fly off for the USAF training fleet. Diamond used to link it on their website. Don't know if they still do. The biggest plane on the list is the 182, and it is a bit dated, but not by too much.
Also, you can subscribe to Aviation Consumer. They are one of my favorites, but they are often guilty of using a small sample and can get it wrong. However, they seem to be the most objective source available in IMO. Subscribers can get access to their online archives.
Particularly watch out for Vm (that's V marketing, an unrealistic cruise number, often combined with a plain stupid fuel burn). Also, note that load numbers are generally for a plane with no added options.
Caveat Emptor
Also, you can subscribe to Aviation Consumer. They are one of my favorites, but they are often guilty of using a small sample and can get it wrong. However, they seem to be the most objective source available in IMO. Subscribers can get access to their online archives.
Particularly watch out for Vm (that's V marketing, an unrealistic cruise number, often combined with a plain stupid fuel burn). Also, note that load numbers are generally for a plane with no added options.
Caveat Emptor
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I have been saying for years that Cessna should replace the 172 and 182 with a single fuselage utilizing a 180 to 200 HP entry level configuration as well as an over 250 HP "high performance" model. The aircraft should have a composite fuselage and metal wing and tail. The composite fuselage will add safety, speed and roominess. My original thought was something like a 177 only roomier.
I know more now than I did then, and Mac is more an insider than I, so now he has me thinking it will be a 4 plus 2. Not really a 6 seater, but a big 4 with optional jump seats for the family. I would be really suprised to see the 550, even though it would be the best choice. Look for 540's in a choice of HP. At least a turbo and non-turbo but better yet even more variety. Fixed Gear, glass cockpit, and Mac is also right on the button saying we won't know about struts until Cessna tells us. Its a close thing those struts. Better seller without I think, but they do save weight.
I also think that if Cessna has any sense at all, this aircraft will have a wide range of options on the same platform to save costs.
Lastly, I have also been saying for years that Cessna should be ashamed for not giving its customers a new airplane for all this time. They better get it right, or the Cessna name will lose a LOT of value.