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Where it fits well
- 284 kt cruise supports fast regional travel.
- 1257 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 842 nm with 4 occupants.
- 720 kg realistic payload proxy and 10 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 10 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 720 kg |
| Advertised range | 1257 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 842 nm |
| Cruise speed | 284 kt |
| Runway need | ~900 m |
| Pressurised | Yes |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €120k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €2190 |
The ownership trade-off
The Merlin IIIC combines 10-seat turboprop capability with about 1,257 NM reported range and about 284 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €429k per year ( €10715 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €516k per year ( €6453 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €604k per year ( €5032 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €735k per year ( €4084 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €328k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The Merlin IIIC combines 10-seat turboprop capability with about 1,257 NM reported range and about 284 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €120k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Approximate 900 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Longer regional missions, with reserves and payload reducing brochure range.
- Time-sensitive business travel where dispatch reliability justifies the cost.