Simviation Forums

Hello all!

Now I am looking for a piston powered plane with a single engine, that can carry the biggest payload, at the fastest speed, without exceeding a total loaded weight of 3700 lbs.

The best match that I have found so far is the Piper PA-32 Saratoga, and it can carry 6 people (7 with optional seat, but not realistic for regular air taxi service)

It comes very close to the weight limit, at about 3400 lbs, but it is a little slower then I was hoping for... (I was hoping for something in the 150-160kn range? faster is better though!)

Ohh also, I almost forgot.. It has to be IFR qualified (thats mostly avionics, but just to keep in mind?)

If anyone can find a plane that is better then the PA 32 for an air taxi aircraft I would be very happy!

Thankyou very much! Happy flying!

You could get 1350lbs of fuel and payload into a Lancair Evolution...

You could get 1350lbs of fuel and payload into a Lancair Evolution...

She is a tight fit, maybe a Malibu, Matrix, or Meridian would do?
They are really fast and economical in cruise.

You could get 1350lbs of fuel and payload into a Lancair Evolution...

As much as I would love to fly this beautiful aircraft, I am not qualified for a turboprop.

Only piston powered aircraft, and only aircraft with a single engine, and the gross weight cannot exceed 3700 lbs..

They seem to be hard to find!

I guess I am trying to figure why the 3700 lbs limit?  That seems like an odd number to beat.  And by payload, are you meaning pounds of cargo, or numbers of passengers, or both?

Cessna 210: 6 seats, 4000 lbs max T/O, 193 knot cruise
Beechcraft G36 Bonanza: 6 seats, 3,650 max gross,  176 knot cruise
Piper PA-46 Malibu: 6 seats, 4,100 lbs max, 196 knot cruise
Piper PA-32R: 6 seats (same fuselage as Saratoga), 3,600 lbs max, 139 knot cruise

You could get 1350lbs of fuel and payload into a Lancair Evolution...

She is a tight fit, maybe a Malibu, Matrix, or Meridian would do?
They are really fast and economical in cruise.

early malibus with the 520 cubic inch engine are a bit too heavy, coming in at 4100lbs

Meridian is an updated Malibu, with the same weight classification..

Matrix is basically the same thing as the meridian execpt.. well .. matrixed..  standard features include a digital glass cockpit, a slick de-icing suite, (pun intended? ) AND built in oxygen system! Another great aircraft, that I am just not quite qualified for...  

but the search will go on. Or maybe I will just have to play out my time in the Saratoga.. Its pretty good I guess.. Im pretty suprised it has a 541 cubic inch engine in it.. With that big of an engine you would think it would have a bit more speed.

But oh well.. Hope somthing pops up !

Happy flying!

[quote]I guess I am trying to figure why the 3700 lbs limit?

Noordyun Norseman.  A little slower than you may like, but it would probably fit that bill.

Ok, that makes a little more sense then.  I was racking my brain as I couldn't think of any FAA regulation that revolved around 3700 lbs.