Post by scottb on Jan 5, 2017 12:31:06 GMT -5
I'm currently evaluating a Cessna F406 as a possible passenger aircraft for my company. I have a Cessna 402 and 404 flying some scheduled passenger runs between Nantucket and Boston, with stops in Providence, Martha's Vineyard, Provincetown, and New Bedford. The 406 is an interesting plane. It is basically a turbine powered version of our 404, with more speed and carrying capacity. It's PT-6 turbine engines would have some fleet commonality with our other turbine planes. There is also a belly pod available, which gives it more flexibility for baggage and cargo.
I had been looking at acquiring some 208 Caravans for my company. They are very common, highly regarded, and also PT-6 turbine powered. However, my company does significant over-water operations, where twin engine redundancy is a good thing to have. A broker in Florida had a 406 available, so I arranged for a short term lease to put it through it's paces. They ferried it up to me, and I've been comparing it to our 402 and 404, and seeing what other capabilities it could bring.
Early morning departure from Block Island (KBID). I have seven passengers for a quick ferry flight back to our base in East Hampton, on Long Island. A New England Airlines Islander is parked on the ramp. They operate scheduled service between Block Island and mainland Rhode Island.
Just after takeoff. Winds favored taking off on Runway 10 heading east. I turn back west for Long Island.
The passengers will get a nice, scenic view of Block Island as we circle back around.
In no time at all we are over the east end of Long Island. Here we are crossing Lake Montauk.
The winds now favor landing to the west. That's going to make an already short trip even quicker. I'm set up on the approach to Runway 28.
A nice snap taken just before touchdown.
After getting the passengers and baggage unloaded, I prepare for the next leg of my flight. I have six passengers traveling to Nantucket. Also, I have a good load of priority mail and packages that need delivered as well. Fortunately, I have plenty of room for all of it.
-Scott
I had been looking at acquiring some 208 Caravans for my company. They are very common, highly regarded, and also PT-6 turbine powered. However, my company does significant over-water operations, where twin engine redundancy is a good thing to have. A broker in Florida had a 406 available, so I arranged for a short term lease to put it through it's paces. They ferried it up to me, and I've been comparing it to our 402 and 404, and seeing what other capabilities it could bring.
Early morning departure from Block Island (KBID). I have seven passengers for a quick ferry flight back to our base in East Hampton, on Long Island. A New England Airlines Islander is parked on the ramp. They operate scheduled service between Block Island and mainland Rhode Island.
Just after takeoff. Winds favored taking off on Runway 10 heading east. I turn back west for Long Island.
The passengers will get a nice, scenic view of Block Island as we circle back around.
In no time at all we are over the east end of Long Island. Here we are crossing Lake Montauk.
The winds now favor landing to the west. That's going to make an already short trip even quicker. I'm set up on the approach to Runway 28.
A nice snap taken just before touchdown.
After getting the passengers and baggage unloaded, I prepare for the next leg of my flight. I have six passengers traveling to Nantucket. Also, I have a good load of priority mail and packages that need delivered as well. Fortunately, I have plenty of room for all of it.
-Scott
. I'm going to be doing some flying with both, so I'll have to pay attention.
