Cessna replacement.

[Silver]

After observing the GASU Defender in action today - several very low passes - it got me thinking about what would be the best aircraft to replace the Cessnas.

The Defender certainly impressed me.
Would it be the best choice ?

It appears that they are still in production,
www.pilatus-aircraft.com

[Claudel Hopson]

Don't think the GASU techies would agree. Underpowered, prone to cracking, subject of a serious independent safety audit a couple of years ago which got it sent back to Britten Norman. There are plenty of other planes knocking around which could do the job with a turbo prop in the nose. But then again since the Cessna 172 has left Gormo, they can't keep them out of the air, plenty of parts, so why change what's working well.

[alpha foxtrot 07]

the south american one are junk but the US goverment one's are in good shape with alot of guchie kit in them to, there are plenty of spares around, i know we have no problem getting them

[Silver]

I agree that the Cessnas should be kept going for as long as is safely possible.
However, sooner rather than later they will need replacing and a decision on the best replacement type will have to be made.

Other possibilities include -
Cessna Caravan
PBN Islander
PC-21.

The Cessna Caravan has been mooted as the likely replacement.
Th White Paper suggests a total of 3 new aircraft to replace the current Cessna fleet.

I believe the Islander's have a good reputation in UK Army Air Corps use.  

I suspect however, that replacement of the Cessnas will probably be the last thing on the current "fleet renewal" list !

Silver.

[alpha foxtrot 07]

would you look at that im a CPL again, drinks on me

[Imshi-Yallah]

My vote goes to the VulcanAir VFW-60W, with a PT6 turboprop engine, they go for around E1m a pop and have comparablylow running costs to the more expensive Cessna 304

[Lurk]

Whoch one? All the suggestions are good, but the criteria will have to be------ what does the Air Corps want any possible replacement to do?

There are some great aircraft out there, but the trend in the current Cessna 172 role, is support and observation, therefore only high wing, unobstructed view would suffice. The question of a single or a twin would also come into it.  '>

[alpha foxtrot 07]

i would go with th PC 6, it will go anywhere i put one down on a 1000ft grass strip once and got it out to, the pt6 on it was unreal so much power it was a easy plane to fly, plus it a tailwheel so hours of fun trying to taxi with nothing but cowl to look at.

[Imshi-Yallah]

The requirement is of a light utility aircraft with enhanced personnel and cargo carrying capacity for use as a light transport and liaison aircraft (and parachute trainer presumably), the PC-6 performs a similar role to our 172s all over the american continent, but its unlikely the replacement will be used for border surveillance as the plan is replace the 7 172's with 3 of the new larger types.

[Silver]

My above list should have read PC-12.
i.e. - this aircraft:

[Claudel Hopson]

There's always the S205 by Aer Macchi with its Allison Turboprop under the bonnet and the high wing like the Cessna and a tail wheel so the drivers will still have some fun. The Italian Air Force still have them.

[Imshi-Yallah]

The PC-6 would be good but are they still in production?

[alpha foxtrot 07]

i dont know if there still in production but there built like tanks so a used model would be just as good as a new one, plus they got a shelf over the stick which is great for putting your morning brew on  '>

[Imshi-Yallah]

If they can fit it with a new engine and buy a shload of spares I'd say great.
I'd say some of the S.American govenrment owned ones are well and truly knackered though.