# 2 in the orignal post by 58...

Land on gravel or dirt....This is the BCP forum. Not BLPS (big long paved strip) forum or the risingup.com site.

The CIrrus and Lance dont fit those categories. Should be the end of conversation on those...not that they are not good aircraft for there own purpose. Not to mention there are not to many low wings flying the backcountry except those that fly a bonanza like our very own Bonazaman.

Get a high wing that can fit all your needs. I like what Once fur said....the helio on barnstormers is sure nice. The 210 is awful nice as well. You can always give up a little speed but make up for it on all other applications and get a 206. Im sure a Maule will come up here soon as well....

Since opinion seems to be what this thread is about......

I don't see the C210 as a back country airplane. The gear is not stout enough for any but the most improved 'back country airstrips'......

At least the Bo has stout gear, but it is appropriate for pretty tame ones, too.

I'll duck for cover now......

lc

I agree completely LC....But, would feel better about landing in gravel or a dirt road as 58 references than the others (piperlance or cirrus) Bonanza is great. Thats been discussed in several threads.

The reference to the Bo.....
The prop is too close to the grass/dirt/sand/gravel/gopher mound-than I care too pay the upkeep on.....
...and if I had deep pockets, I would rather spend it elsewhere.....


Everyone doesn't buy vanilla ice cream
lc

LC-

Not that I do not agree with you...I lost that battle before. That one just might open up some serious conversation between you and Boman.....

Littlecub wrote:The reference to the Bo.....
The prop is too close to the grass/dirt/sand/gravel/gopher mound-than I care too pay the upkeep on.....
...and if I had deep pockets, I would rather spend it elsewhere.....


Everyone doesn't buy vanilla ice cream
lc

Then you better keep your 182 at home. I had the optional larger 6.00x6 nose wheel/tire on my 182 and I have 2 inches more prop clearance with my Bo. I just wish I could put a bigger tire up front.

I think the Comanche 250/260's have better prop clearance than the C182 also. Another great airplane and good cross country cruiser.

Gump

Yeah, at first I was hesitant on discussing these type of aircraft models and type of flying mission on this forum. I know we all try to keep a back country theme here. But, this is about the only forum I frequent and I know many of you here have had and or flown many different aircraft over the years. I might have even jumped the gun asking this question at this stage when there's a long road ahead before I'll even end up looking for a commuter plane. But, like I said, I appreciate everyone time, effort and great comments. I hope I'm not wasting anybody's time on this.

But yeah, I'm really not into the newer fancy stuff (Cirrus and like). I think if I were to buy today, I really think it would be a strong tie between an older Bonanza and the 210 with the Turbo (piston) Commander following close behind. And I'm thinking I would pass on the Lance. I don't know, we'll see. I certainly know one thing for sure, I've learned a lot more about said aircraft.

mr scout wrote:Ok stop before someone tells Pat he just need a Maule..........This thread is like asking what girl to pick at Mina

Pat what you really need is a T-6 our slow one goes 215. And they are in your price range. When your ready come down for a ride but be warned once you get behind a round motor you will want to take it home with you.

You wont need to buy another airplane until the hot chick you pick up in the T-6 decides its time for a family.

T-6 would be a blast! I'll have to come by again sometime then. I'll take you up on the offer. I did entertain the idea of a vintage jet to my brother-in-law. I notice some early 24 series Learjets asking under $500K. But, he quickly referred to the operating costs. Big $$$$. Oh well. He still thinks we should get a LancAir 4.

I would take a big engine Comanche over a Lance any day for this mission especially considering your other interests.

Not to mention the Twinkie, many of which have RSTOL mods. I was looking at them hard when I thought I was relocating somewhere requiring a regular family commute.

Just thinking out of the box, but I've always thought the Bellanca Super Viking 17-31TC would make a great XC machine.

I have no experience with them, but I've heard they're pretty solid airplanes.

Another option.... I know you specified a single engine, but there are some real good buys on twins like the early C310. Awesome airplane, fast, capable, but pretty high fuel burn at around 12 a side & higher maintenance costs along with all the usual single-versus-twin issues. Plus a multi rating required.

ya know 58, one to consider right now for sure, are 182T R/G models. way affordable right now, and with a turbo-normalized 540 and good ox set up, these are tough to beat and very resellable. large interior and a fuel burn of about 12-14 gph when u pull the power back a little....jo

The downside of a 182RG is those iddy bitty tires........and there still not very cheap
Nope Pat needs a T-6, big tires, big engine, fast enough, chick magnet..........way up on the cool list

58Skylane wrote:Yeah, at first I was hesitant on discussing these type of aircraft models and type of flying mission on this forum. I know we all try to keep a back country theme here.

Most any plane is a potential back country plane. Depends on what you want to do when you get to the back country. I live in Montana and if all I had was a cub or similar that goes 90 knots I'd never get to Idaho. That puts Johnson Creek 4 hours and a gas stop away. I have no interest in racking up strips. I'm looking for places for my wife and I to get to.

It is the C210 that you want. Nothing comes close for the money.

Don't worry about the gear, get rid of the doors and you have the reliability you need.

Still all great stuff here. But just a reminder. With the salary that was proposed to me, I would be able to afford to keep my house and 182 in Idaho. And I would be able to afford to purchase a "commuter plane" to fly between the Boise area and SoCal area. I do not necessarily want to fly the "commuter plane" in and out of back country airstrips.

I'll try to include a little more info so you all have a better idea what we are thinking. In SoCal out in the desert, there is a dirt/gravel strip about 2-3 miles from the mine my brother-in-law is looking to acquire someday (the business I may be assigned to operate). But more than likely I would fly in and out of the Cal. Logistics (KVCV) which is only a few miles from my brother-in-laws currant manufacturing business and the office of the mine that is out in the desert. I just would like to have the option of landing out at the mine since it's only about a 30 minute flight versus an hour and half drive from the business in Adelanto.

Also, a typical schedule would have me flying down to KVCV early Tuesday morning and return to Boise Thursday afternoon or Friday morning. This would not be a weekly trip. Just every other week or third week and for sure at least once a month.

And....because I appreciate the time and effort you guys put into this thread. If our deal goes through, the first few rounds of drinks are on me at the local watering hole in Yellow Pine (or where ever) to the guys that have replied before this post. And Floyd, I'll buy a tank of gas for some fun flying in the T-6 out in the desert where ever your at

hotrod150 wrote:Another option.... I know you specified a single engine, but there are some real good buys on twins like the early C310. Awesome airplane, fast, capable, but pretty high fuel burn at around 12 a side & higher maintenance costs along with all the usual single-versus-twin issues. Plus a multi rating required.

Actually, the 310 would be the first twin model I would consider. I talked to an avionics guy that was fixing my transponder a couple years ago that had a 310. I liked what he was saying about that plane. I've always liked the looks of the 310 also. Said it has good single engine performance.

once&futr_alaskaflyer wrote:I would take a big engine Comanche over a Lance any day for this mission especially considering your other interests.
Not to mention the Twinkie, many of which have RSTOL mods. I was looking at them hard when I thought I was relocating somewhere requiring a regular family commute.

What's a twinkie? It just came to me that maybe you're talking about a Twin Commanche?
Another possible twin candidate would be the Skymaster, aka Mixmaster. Again higher maintenance costs than a single, but maybe worth a look. That centerline-thrust-twin idea has a lot of merit. Lower fuel burn than a 310 but not as fast either.
Speaking of fuel burns, what's T6 go through in an hour, 25-30? About lke the 310 I guess.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

$200K range. Capable enough to handle a bit of ice and weather. Solid IFR platform.

A Navajo would be a top choice for me.

Gump