Thread: Eclipse 500
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Old 07-19-2010, 02:57 PM
  #4  
BoilerUP
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Originally Posted by KiloAlpha View Post
TBM'S have a poor useful load to fuel (range)
TBM850s have in the ballpark of 800lbs full-fuel useful load; C2s aren't much worse but yeah, As and Bs are pretty low (200-300lb).

The folks that restarted Eclipse have skin in the game (they're Eclipse owners themselves) and have dedicated a lot of their own money to get the airframe to make good on its original promise. Its essentially a jet-powered Baron, but has stellar operating economics for an owner-operator compared to many other airframes.

That said, for what a FIKI Eclipse sells for these days you could get a tried & true CitationJet, a mature airframe with excellent nationwide support. Sure DOCs are higher, but you've got anti-skid, good external baggage, a fully functional autopilot, and no operating restrictions due to insufficient engine bleed air at altitude.
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