Commander 1000 vs Cessna conquest 2

[Jacsac]

“Hi everyone, I’m looking for opinions on the Commander 1000 vs. the Cessna Conquest II (441). I fly a Commander, and my friend flies a Conquest, and we’ve had some heated discussions about these two aircraft—specifically about cabin space, flying quality, speed, pressurization, and maintenance. I’d love to hear from those with experience flying or maintaining either aircraft. How do they stack up in terms of performance and overall value for long-range corporate travel? Any insights would be much appreciated!”

[donv]

So that is a great question. I don't have any direct experience with the 441, but I know others who have a lot of time in them.

I have heard nothing but good things about the speed, efficiency, and flying qualities of the 441. Everyone I know absolutely loves them. And historically, not sure about now, the 441 has cost more to purchase.

That said, the 695B (in particular) is pretty darned good. I'm not sure how they compare on useful load, but the 695B is pretty hard to beat. It might be a few knots slower, but it's very competitive with the 441. I have also heard that the 441 is lighter, and arguably not built as well, but I can't really say for sure.

I think the big issue, in addition to the purchase price, is parts availability and support. Cessna would prefer that all the 441s are retired and replaced by Citation M2s, while Commander is still, at least for now, in the business of selling parts and supporting the airframes.

[JimC]

I have a smidge of time in both a 441 and a 690B-10. For flying qualities, the Commander can't be beat. Pilot's visibility is spectacular. But the truth is these planes will spend 99% of most flights with the AP on.

The Commander cabin is easier to move around in, but the 441 is wider. Since passengers will spend most of their time seated, the 441 has more literal elbow room, but first impressions are often set on the way to the seat. I've only sat up front, but I've walked through the back of both - I've haven't sat in a passenger seat in either one during a flight.

As a pilot, I like the forward door of the Commander, rather than coming up the airstair and going forward. To me, the 441 airstair doesn't feel as solid as an airstair should. Again, passenger's first impressions can last throughout the whole flight.

I haven't been involved in maintenance of either one.

I think what I've heard about the King Air vs the Commander might apply here as well. "If the guy writing the checks sits up front, he buys a Commander. If the guy writing the checks sits in the back, he buys a (441/B200)."