Guys,
My apologies, I know this subject has been fairly well covered in a number of threads and I have read every single one that I can find. The best set of specific datum I can identify is that the 260 is a great plane for "East and Flat", while the 300 is generally preferred by the larger population. What I cannot find is where the "line is drawn" on questionable DA for the 6-260 at or near gross.
I realize that terrain and airport specifics play a large role in determination of a safe arrival / departure destination, but for the sake of this conversation, lets assume a 5000ft runway, no notable obstacles.
My typical mission profile (read 90%) will be east of the Rockies, based at KLBX. However at least one a year I would like to visit my sister in NM, and at least once a year I would like to get into Pagosa Springs for a snow skiing trip (KPSO @7600' MSL).
My useful load gets eaten up by my wife and 3 kids (Me @ 225lbs, Wife @ 115lbs, S1 @ 100lbs, D1 @ 115lbs, S2 @ 55lbs) so 610lbs of humans + 504lbs (full @ 84g) of fuel + ???lbs for luggage and un-needed crap.. Obviously needs to add up to less than empty fuel weight / gross for the specific craft, but as you can imagine, very few missions will be less than 80% of gross, even with 0 baggage (not a possibility) and kids have an unfortunate habit of growing..
So my specific questions:
JT
My apologies, I know this subject has been fairly well covered in a number of threads and I have read every single one that I can find. The best set of specific datum I can identify is that the 260 is a great plane for "East and Flat", while the 300 is generally preferred by the larger population. What I cannot find is where the "line is drawn" on questionable DA for the 6-260 at or near gross.
I realize that terrain and airport specifics play a large role in determination of a safe arrival / departure destination, but for the sake of this conversation, lets assume a 5000ft runway, no notable obstacles.
My typical mission profile (read 90%) will be east of the Rockies, based at KLBX. However at least one a year I would like to visit my sister in NM, and at least once a year I would like to get into Pagosa Springs for a snow skiing trip (KPSO @7600' MSL).
My useful load gets eaten up by my wife and 3 kids (Me @ 225lbs, Wife @ 115lbs, S1 @ 100lbs, D1 @ 115lbs, S2 @ 55lbs) so 610lbs of humans + 504lbs (full @ 84g) of fuel + ???lbs for luggage and un-needed crap.. Obviously needs to add up to less than empty fuel weight / gross for the specific craft, but as you can imagine, very few missions will be less than 80% of gross, even with 0 baggage (not a possibility) and kids have an unfortunate habit of growing..
So my specific questions:
- 260 vs. 300?
- What is the real DA "grey area" for the stated load / airport conditions for each?
- I understand that the selling price for a 260 will be less than a 300, but relative to initial investment, is there a real difference in appreciation / depreciation over time? Consider I plan to hold this plane for at least 12 years (youngest to college).
- In my current opinion, a Ray-Jay 260 would be optimal, but they are ridiculously rare. Can a Gami equipped 300 at LOP and optimal range cruise power be as economical as a 260 in terms of direct operating cost (I have seen quoted fuel consumptions all over the board)?
JT
