Originally Posted by
DoUEvenLoopBro
Performance and safety are definitely on the top of my list and am simply looking for something roomy enough to fit 4 people (2 adults/2 kids) + ski equipment + luggage. We would also be using it for $100 hamburgers and shorter trips (<700 miles) that don't necessarily fall during ski season.
Everyone commenting here seems to be in agreement that I might want to start looking at some single engines instead. I'm also going to expand my search to the 310 since it seems to be a consensus on something that should be considered.
You guys are giving me some great advice. Thanks again!!
You are a capable pilot but general aviation is a different world than what we have done in the mil. Small GA aircraft on a budget don't generally do well in conditions that make a great ski vacation. There is a reason why GA pilots generally fly in fair weather...its more about aircraft limitation than pilot skill. If you don't have a high performance aircraft with TKS you will need the flexibility to shorten or extend your trips to accommodate the weather. My biggest fears as a GA pilot is traffic and icing.
Look into Mooneys, Bonanza etc for trips to the Bahamas and Orlando and buy a Subaru for skiing...