Originally Posted by
saab2000
I think ETOPS restrictions and, as you said, the inability to climb into the 400s will limits its conversion to a medium-long haul biz jet. The wing is just not suited for it. The Gulfstreams and Global Express have better wings for those altitudes. The fact that it is a low-mid 300s jet is a problem. And the fact that it can't fly the speeds required in the NAT Track system on a regular basis.
Anyway, I think that for Euro continental or North American routes it would do pretty well, especially in the -200 series we have with higher gross weights and fuel capacity. East coast to West coast in winter winds non-stop would be out of range now, but if they put in more fuel capacity it would be possible.
We'll see.
Are biz-jets covered by ETOPS regulations? I was under the impression that only applied to 121 operators. I think if the airplane is operated under part 91 you can do whatever you want. I thought you could hop the pond in a 182 if you felt like it.