PDX 135 Start up
 

I just want to bounce an idea of anyone who will respond. I live in the PDX area and I am probably going to get laid off from my airline job.

I am contemplating starting a single pilot 135 probably with a Baron. There are currently no twin-engine recips for charter in the PDX area and I am not sure why! The closest comparable airplane is a Kingair 90 for $1100 per hour. I figure if I charge $500 per hour for the Baron and if fly it a minimum of 300 revenue hours per year the economics would make sense. I am an IA A&P with a decent hangar so the maintenace won't eat me up too bad. Also I flew a lot of charter before my airline job.

Any responses would be appreciated! Pro or con.

ummmm.

Think you forgot about Amflight. I believe they operate 10-12 Chieftain/Navajo's

Let me rephrase my post.There are no passenger hauling twin-engine recips for charter in the PDX area

Hmm could work... I'd wait til spring though because the pnw weather isnt the best and a Baron isnt ice certified.

I would start working on the 135 ticket right now. Once you are done with it then start advertising for the flights to start up in the spring

Not necessarily true, I have flown a Baron approved for flight in known icing.

Things to think about.
 

I assume you included the cost of insurance when you came up with the 300 hour figure? Do you have enough capital to cover unexpected maintenance events such as an engine eating itself? Does there seem like there would be a market for an aircraft like that? Just some things that came to mind when I read your post.

It would be quicker to buy a current 135 ticket than going through the FAA start up process to get a brand new ticket. Have you looked at this avenue to speed up the process?

I did, the insurance is $7,500 per year. The highest expense is gas - 30 gallons per hour @ $5. I have a aircraft maintenance business to help support it initially. That's a good question rather or not there is a market for a Baron! I would much rather start with a King Air but there is no way I could afford it.

The friendly FAA tells me that it doesn't take that long to start a single pilot 135! No manual required for single pilot.

Box-hauler it looks like we're in the same boat! I am a 767 FO. What are your plans post ABX?:confused: