On Wed, 29 Sep 2004 21:20:17 -0500, "O. Sami Saydjari"
wrote:

I now own a PA28R201T, Piper Turbo Arrow III. It is a great plane
(although, as some of you know, I have had more than my share of
"challenges"). At altitude it cruises at 170 knots. Cost to operate is
around $90/hour (figuring maintenance and such). My range requirement
is 660nm with 45 minutes of fuel left offer. I most often fly it
single-pilot IFR. Lately, I have begun thinking about the next step up,
which I am planning for 2 years from now...but one can't start too early
to consider options. So, here are my goals.

Range: 600nm with IFR reserve
Speed: 250 knots or better
Ceiling: 25,000 or better (Pressurized Cabin)
Passengers: 4 seater
Operating Cost: Would prefer round trip, 1320nm, cost less than $1000
Budget: $500K

Suggestions would be most welcome. I would like to narrow the search
down to 2 or 3 that comes as close as possible to my requirements. Is a
turbo-prop out of the question? Thanks in advance.

A tough mix. Only one piston single will meet your reqs, and it is
experimental, a Lancair IV-P.

Highspeed cruise: 290kts
Ceiling: 25000
Pressurized: Yes
Passengers: 4 seats
Available on aso.com for $500k
Range : 1000nm
Direct fuel operating costs ~25gph = $75/hr, so a 1320nm trip /250kts
= $400 in fuel. Plenty of margin ($600 for maintenance, oil, etc).

There is also a propjet version of the IV-P, which will do 330kts+.
Range goes down because of the fuelconsumption of the ~600shp turbine.

Other twin pistons to consider:
Piper Aerostar:
Baron 58P.

Most turbine twins could meet your requirements, but would be
difficult to find good ones in the $500k budget, and the $1000 round
trip will be tough.

The insurance costs on these planes will be astonishing. Be sure to
shop that around before doing anything. You will be looking at a
minimum of $10k/year, perhaps considerably higher.