"AML" wrote in message Anyone know what the cost per hour is for a
Chieftain?

Part 135 retail for $780/hr.
I run 2 Chieftains (plus other types) under Part 135. The naysayers here
have good points, but their points are not insurmountable. If you are the
pilot, mechanic, and answering machine, with a niche market, you can make
decent money.

Here's a few tips-

You do NOT have to extend credit to anyone. Accept major credit cards before
the flight leaves. Have a signed contract from the customer with detailed
wording about non-refundable monies in the event of a cancelation on the
customer's part, and a detailed itinerary. Inevitably someone will back out
because they found a better deal after signing the contract. When they back
out, they dispute the non-refundable charges with the credit card company.
You simply fax in a copy of the contract that they signed and you win.

Stay away from the freight feeder contracts. These contracts are put out to
bid and awarded to the cheapest bidder. Most of these contracts will provide
you with cash flow from the steady business, but without any profit because
you had to bid so low to get it. One serious unscheduled maintenance event
and you're out of business.

As a single plane operation, you will need to seek out an alliance with
another operator to cover your downtime. Pick one who you hope won't steal
your clientele. Don't steal his clientele. Commercial aviation is a small
world and burnt bridges don't get rebuilt.

Keep your plane clean inside and out. Even the Greyhound crowd expects to
travel in style when they shell out that kind of money, no matter that they
show up in T-shirts and flip-flops. Cover avionics holes in the panel.
Vaccuum up pet hair immediately after a flight with animals. Have their
favorite liquor and snacks onboard. Fly smooth.

D.