In the end only you will be able to weigh and quantify the advantages and
disadvantages. The Baron will probably cost 2-3x what the Bonanza costs per
hour. The Baron basically has two of everything that the Bonanza has one of
and has some stuff that the Bo doesn't have. There is a lot to be said for
an airplane that you are comfortable in and is cheap enough to fly that you
don't think about the cost too much even if you are only flying to look out
the window.

Mike
MU-2


"Bonza" wrote in message
om...
Dan, Mike
Let me share my thoughts as of this moment. You guys have me thinking
though...

What advantages would the Baron offer that are important to you?
Radar?

Yes, but I do fairy well with a stormscope, ATC, and a good eye
outside.

Known Ice

I have had to deal with ice living in the midwest. Now the decision
is usually delaying or canceling the trip. Having the capability
would probably not change that a great deal.

Redundancy?

That is probably the most assuring factor. Nice to have both of those
fans spinning on a dark and stormy night, or over water. Seems like I
always get vectored out over Lake Erie going into the Cleveland area.

Would you just rather have a twin? How much is this worth to you?

I would like to have a better handle on how much more it will be to
maintain all of the additional hardware.

Would you still make all the flights that you make now or would you
forego some because of the cost?

A great question. I would think that I would fly 25% less due to the
added fuel cost. This is a SWAG at this time.


Great questions. Pretty much what I got from the group when I asked if I
needed a bigger, faster airplane. It revealed that what I really wanted
was some added coolness, which was not worth the money to me.*

To make a quantum jump in capability over what the OP already has will
take a quantum jump in money and committment.

That is precisely where I am focusing my research on. I'll be making
more calls to owner operators in the MBS group I belong to. I should
be able to learn something from them




*...but I STILL want a Bonanza.

They are great planes. I transitioned to it from an Arrow. I had to
learn to stay further ahead of the plane. When I got the timing down,
things fell into place.

Thanks,

Bob