Hi guys

I’m a seasonal ag pilot, currently flying a 375 Brave and a 185 and Super Cub on the off days.
I’m looking for options to buy my own Ag aircraft. Since I’ve flown the Brave a bit, I thought it good to go that route, but after speaking to many pilots/operators, I guess this isn’t a Boeing/Airbus scenario but rather a Piper/Cessna. I was also advised to steer clear of the R985/R1340 powered aircraft

Where I live(in South Africa), 500ft AMSL and temps between 5 - 35 degree Centigrade, the Brave picks up a 250G load quite well.
The Brave’s 8 cylinder Lycoming IO720 is a joy to be behind, although a bit thirsty. Maintenance on the Lycoming is also a joy. After more than a 1000hrs, compressions are still in the 70’s, oil usage well within limits and no leaks.
The only thing with the Brave is the expensive engine overhaul and wing rebuild.
Those two factors is what most Cessna guys mention when comparing the two.

Who on the forum operates the 188 Cessnas?
I have the opportunity to acquire a beautifully rebuilt A188B(280G) with a brand new IO550 and a Hartzell prop.
- With only 300hp(compared to 375hp) and a thin wing profile, can these 188’s pick up 250G+ load?
- How are these 550’s to operate? Compressions after 1000hr?
- Is the 88” C401 Mccauley approved for the 188, IO550?
- The the current prop is the Hartzell 80”. How will the 86”/88” Maccauley pull VS the Hartzell?

Who on the forum operates the 188 Cessnas?

I do

- With only 300hp(compared to 375hp) and a thin wing profile, can these 188’s pick up 250G+ load?

The ones I fly certainly won't. 160G is generally what I use, went as high as 185G under ideal conditions, under high temps often times around 140G. The temps I fly in are usually 5 - 25 centigrade. Most fields are around 2500 - 3000 elevation.

I have no experience operating the IO 550 the ones I fly are still the IO 520. I am pretty sure they are all equipped with 2 blade McCaulley propellers.

There was an operator here 20 years ago that switched from the IO520 McCaulley propeller to the IO 550 Hartzell, he was very unhappy with the mod, claimed it didn't pull and fell out of the sky in the turns. At least that's how I remember it.

I would certainly look for propeller options that will work with the 550.

I flew a 188 with 300hp years back. It did not haul 200 gal; More like 160 at 3000 asl. The only Brave here had 400 hp I thought. There is a convert to turbine available. I'm sure it costs a lot but I think seven have been done and everyone happy.

Just looked at 3 188s a couple weeks ago. 2 with IO-550s. One of the owners hauled 200G in perfect conditions. They never hauled more.