Resource for choosing a plane?

On 4-Jan-2006, "Jay Honeck" wrote:

It's common to think that the Turbo Dakota used a turbo-charged version of
the six-cylinder O-540 that is standard in all other PA28-235/236s.
Unfortunately, Piper opted to use the Continental TSIO-360 -- a
four-cylinder engine -- and it has been much maligned as being an engine
that is "pushed too hard" and thus doesn't last long.


Actually, the Continental TSIO-360 is a 6 cyl engine. Otherwise, I think
Jay's comments are accurate. The Turbo Dakota is really much more a fixed
gear version of the Turbo Arrow. (Same engine, airframe, similar useful
load, but quite a bit slower due to the fixed gear.)

From the OP's list of desired characteristics, I'd have to say that a Turbo
Arrow might be the "obvious" choice. Other models might fit the mission
(and his body size/shape) better, but not within his $100K budget. Some
owners have had issues with the TSIO-360, but it works better on the T-Arrow
than the T-Dakota because of better cooling (due to higher airspeed).
Another factor is that T-Dakotas are rare, but T-Arrows were built in large
numbers in the 1977-80 time frame, and are quite plentiful on the used
market.

As to questions of added costs associated with retractable gear and CS prop:
RG will probably end up costing $200-300 extra per year for hull insurance.
Based on our experience (normally aspirated 1979 Arrow IV) extra
maintenance averages about $250/year. However, we save about $1500 per year
in fuel costs (flying 150 hrs), compared to similar performance FG aircraft
(e.g. C-182, Dakota). The CS prop probably costs about $1.50-2.00/hr in
extra maintenance costs (largely the cost of overhaul). However, it is a
must for turbocharged aircraft.
--
-Elliott Drucker