freeflir29 0 #1 March 14, 2004 Specifically turbines. I know it will vary significantly but what's a ball park figure on profit margin. How much cash can a plane produce per year? I put this question to the only turbine jump plane owner I know personally but while I wait on his answer I figured I would see what the peanut gallery has to say. Is it a worthwhile investment? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #2 March 14, 2004 (everyone here should damn well I'm not a plane owner) how do you plan on using it? if it's for jumping, you have to have the support structure of a dz. do you plan on renting it out? flying it yourself? I'm sure there's lots more questions I haven't even thought of.witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #3 March 14, 2004 Quoteif it's for jumping, you have to have the support structure of a dz. do you plan on renting it out? flying it yourself? I'll probably end up looking for a DZ that has the business (jumpers) to support a turbine but not the capital to purchase a plane. Or one that wants to add to their fleet. Also follow the "winter circuit." I would LOVE to fly it myself but I think I'm slightly shy of a couple requirements...like a commercial license (Haven't even finished my private) and 1000+ hours to satisfy insurance requirements. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #4 March 14, 2004 One thing that's probably more relevant than in other air charter circles is that of the DZ community. You might have a sweet plane, with a sweet rate, that makes everyone money, but if there was a personality conflict, then I could see that weighing far more heavily than in other areas of business. Just my opinion (psst...don't let the sheep out! )So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #5 March 14, 2004 Quoteif there was a personality conflict Me....Have personality conflicts??!?!?!?!?!?!!??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #6 March 14, 2004 The winter circuit is really full and over capisity as is with jump planes. I saw more planes parked on the ground in FL this winter then I saw flying. Not to mention I know of at least one place that decided it would be better to just leave their turine in the snow and not fly it rather then paying the freey fees and tacking on more time flying it south to see it parked for the winter. Crosskeys purchasing their own Caravan's, Otters and Skyvan a few years back added a lot more planes to the ciruit and they also freed up 3 planes from other operators. Not to mention SDC selling their Otter to Tecumsa and shipping it to SoBe freed up one more, and Deland buying their Porter added yet another to an already crowded market. I know that operators charge $14-16 per slot on leases with min's per load usually. Profit is going to depend a lot on the plane, the turbines and the amount of mistakes you make. I know of a lot of gear down, or other mistakes that wipe out a lot of profit really fast.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #7 March 14, 2004 Do a search, I know the makers of the single otter, turbine conversion, have a profit/cost spreadsheet on their website. Also I think the Pac750xl people also did a profit/cost analysis for their planes. This will give you a general idea, the cost of a Twinn Otter is around $600 an hour, in maintenance and fuel. Add up slots per load and loads per hour, subtract the $600 and then subtract the Pilots cost, usually $1 per head. When all else fails, remember the three F's rule. Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #8 March 14, 2004 The three "f"s. ????Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #9 March 14, 2004 QuoteThe three "f"s. ???? Yeah if it "fucks, floats, or fly's its chaper to rent it" Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #10 March 14, 2004 Oh THOSE three "F"s.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #11 March 14, 2004 Truer words, my friend, truer words.witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #12 March 15, 2004 There CAN be a decent profit if you have the airplane at a busy DZ....but one little problem like a toasted engine and you're a couple hundred grand in the hole. Insurance may cover some engine loss situations, but not all of them. If it just happens to suffer a catastrophic failure and is not covered by a program like MSP...you're hosed.. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
