Have done tons of research and want some opinions or experiences--have a part 91 operation starting up and buyer wants an Excel or Encore. For those who have flown both---- which would you recommend.

 

Honestly, it depends. As you know from your research:

The Encore has a light jet cabin (small), while the Excel has a midsize cabin (almost stand-up). The Excel also has an externally-serviceable lav.

The Excel has an APU (well, most do anyway...) while the right engine or a power cart is the Encore's GPU.

The Excel is slightly faster than the Encore, despite having largely the same wing. The Excel also books having slightly more range than the Encore.

Both are great runway performers, though the Encore outclimbs pretty much anything Cessna makes with the possible exception of the Sovereign.

Encore burns less fuel and has lower overall DOCs than the Excel. Its ramp fees and minimum fuel purchase at FBOs will probably be lower, too.

Excel will have a little more baggage space than the Encore.

You can fly an Encore single-pilot with a SP Waiver to your CE500 type rating.

As a pilot, I'd love having an APU and passengers normally like a bigger cabin, so in that case its advantage Excel...but if operating costs are a concern then the Encore provides nearly equal performance for less money.

Perhaps some NJA pilots could share their opinions on both airplanes?

 

I think Boiler pretty much hit it.

Encore -
Pro's
1. Awesome performance (Climb gradients out of the mountains)
2. Short runway capability (we routinely use a 3700 foot strip part 135)
3. Cheaper to operate (burn 820 pph at FL450)
4. Single pilot capable

Cons
1. No APU (GPU for vapor Air Conditioning in summer)
(Only way to heat the cabin is with an engine running)
2. Tray style lav (not fun to remove and carry through the cabin)
3. Small baggage areas (lots of volume broken up into small areas)
4. Lack of interior closet type storage
5. Lav is very uncomfortable to actually use

Excel -
Pro's
1. Much more comfortable inside (taller cabin, usable lav, closets)
2. Larger baggage area (better configured for larger items)
3. APU!!
4. Nice usable lav

Cons
1. More expensive to operate
2. Short field capability not as good
3. Climb performance (often limited in the higher airports)
4. The movable tail design has some quirks and things to watch for

All in all, it really depends on what you want. They have close to the same range, although the Encore will do it for less money. If you don't have much use for short runway stuff and climb performance out of the hot and high locations isn't a concern, then I would go with the Excel because of the nicer ammenities. The Encore will allow you to meet many climb gradients and costs less to obtain and operate, but is not as equipped for creature comforts. Both good airplanes.

 

I have about 100 hours in a 2006 Encore.... what a pleasure to fly. BUT its still the same small jet cabin .....

Personally if comfort is the main concern.. and access to a lav... go with the excel.

My last company had a customer who had gotten use to the excel we had.... the owner moved the aircraft to the west coast and the customer started flying our encore most everywhere. their main complaint was NO real lav and lack of near stand up capability.

 

Where are your primary areas of operation? The APU makes a world of difference for passenger comfort in warm climates. Heated windshields mean no more fogged windshields on the ground.
I like being able to get up and walk around a bit on those longer legs.
If you need real short field (wet) runway numbers, pony up for a Sovereign.
Dave

 

I fly both an Excel and an Ultra and have experience in the Encore.

The cockpit in the Excel is hands down better roomwise and has less glass area, which means less heat in the cockpit. The Excel cabin height is a huge plus over the 500 series fuselage height of the Encore. The Excel baggage area is huge compared to the Encore. You can load 8 golf bags straight up plus eight medium sized bags. Try that in the Encore. Also, a nice larger lavatory.

The APU is a big plus, especially on a winter night at a remote airport having no GPU. No dark airplane before the passengers arrive.

If you are looking for value in used market, there are many Excels for sale in the $4.5 to 5.0 MM range. After 3,000 hours in the 500 series Ultra/Encore/Bravo aircraft, I am sold on the Excel.

Good luck,

CC

 

Thanks For The Input On The Encore Vs Excel Question. I Personally Am Leaning Towards The Excel -there Are Good Deals On Both Right Now Given The Soft Market. Given Our Mission Either Plane Will Work Well---excel Has Apu And Roomier--big Plus For Our Buyer!