Hi all, Joshua M here, first-time poster. I've been chartering planes for about three years now, spending roughly 6 figures annually, as I’m flying multiple times a month. The flights are typically 1.5 to 4 hours in duration, with Boston to Miami being the longest route I usually take. I favor light to mid-size jets, even though I often travel alone. Now that prices are softening, I think it’s a good time to consider buying. I’ve been getting a lot of mixed advice from brokers, sellers, and pilots, which has left me a bit uncertain. At first, I was considering a Citation X, but after doing some research, I found they aren't well-liked due to fuel consumption and high maintenance. Now, I’m looking into a Hawker 900XP or a Citation Latitude. I’m aiming to find a good compromise between performance, comfort, operational cost, and maintenance — with a purchase budget in the $3-6 million range. Any advice, thoughts, or insights would be greatly appreciated.
I operate and own several jets of different size. With the smaller jets, I prefer aircraft with single pilot certification, as I fly most of my aircraft myself. I used to fly and own Cessna Citations of different size but Cessna cancled the German Dealership and I had nobody to talk to in Germany anymore. I have flown the Hawker 800 and 900 but I did not like them at all. Design, pricing, flying characteristics and performance did not meet my personal taste and my requirements. As the smallest jet, I now own and fly the Pilatus PC-24. The PC-24 is the best smaller jet, I have ever owned and operated myself. It takes me to any place in Europe with Mach numbers in the mid seventies and I fly into any runway between 3.000 and 4.000 ft in length. And the PC-24 is cleared for semiprepared runways. I have even landed the PC-24 with special permission of the German and French authorities on grass glider fields. Easy to fly aircraft, great quality, great service (even in the USA) and great resale value. When going bigger or much longer range is requred, I would look at the Dassault Falcon Jets. But on long range flights across the pond for example, I personally prefer to sit in the back and relax. If You want more detailed information, sent me a pm. HTMO9