Eclipse 550? What are your thoughts?

+1 It's critical to plan out taxes and it helps to have a guy who specializes in aircraft. If anyone's looking for such a person, PM me and I'll give you a contact... I can't say enough positive things about him.

That's why it's so important for people to buy based upon mission. I know a few guys that were doing the same thing - hopping to get from FL to Aspen for example. When they finally broke out the expense, it made sense to move up in plane and still spend the same, not to mention save time!

 

So what exactly changed your mind?

 

Like I said earlier........ I don't know your price poiint but you can't beat a PC12. It hauls a ton and has massive range. It's perfect for short hops and almost perfect for coast to coast. I run mine Atlanta to California all the time with 6 people plus bags and cases of wine.

I've shopped and flown everything. I feel I know more about this market than anyone on the planet.

The little jets are cool if you want to pull up and have a jet a sitting there (sex appeal). But they're cheap for a reason. They're very range and load limited. Any short hop they do is no faster than a PC12. Any long hop they do will take longer because they have to stop for gas. I can take off out of Aspen with a full boat and make it non stop back to Atlanta. Even medium sized jets on this mission will need to stop in Denver for fuel after taking off from Aspen for weight reasons.

I've owned several airplanes. You cannot beat the utility of a PC12....... But they're expensive to buy.

 

As for registering....... It's not a car. You register with the FAA. It's Federal registration. SOME states require you to register. But I would never home base in a state like that. WHERE you close your sale is a big deal too. You need to do some research. Some states are designed for this. Some states you need to avoid.

 

Some states do have personal property taxes, which apply to aircraft. I know California does.

In the end, I don't know what you can do about it, other than moving. Thankfully, Oregon does not-- except for a small annual registration fee, which is reasonable.

There are things you can do to avoid sales or use tax, but you really need to consult with an attorney who knows your state laws. Plenty of people from California base their aircraft in Oregon to avoid sales tax and personal property taxes, but of course the cost of flying an hour or two any time you want to use the airplane has to be factored in.

 

Seems like anyone wanting one of these VLJs would want at least 1000lb payload w full fuel.

 

Do you really want the "Part Time Discount Pilot"?

 

The Mustang is a much better aircraft with a MUCH better factory support system. I wouldn't trust Mason as far as I could throw him. Buy a Mustang.

 

There you go again Jason. Ask the OP if he would rather have a PC12 with its ungainly appearance or a Mustang and 1.5 million dollars in cash in the luggage compartment?

 

PC12 is ugly no doubt. But the uglier the airplane the better it is. Ha. Sad but true.

Unfortunately a Mustang won't meet my mission. Just took 6 friends to Playa Del Carmen for New Years. 6 plus bags 900NM over the Gulf. Landed with 1500lbs of fuel on board.

6 plus bags and skis to Aspen this week. Non stop both ways.

 

Mark, just out of curiousity, aside from being newer and flying higher, what advantages does the Mustang bring over your old MU-2?