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purchase, I’m just as happy as when I first got the keys. I am a happy camper,” he stated.
Owning a PC-12 is the pinnacle of Obermeyer’s aviation journey, which began in 1978. Just like the indelible mark that Klaus left on him in the business world, he has his dad to thank for his foray into the cockpit. As Obermeyer’s business demands and mission profile changed, so did the aircraft he owned. Prior to pur- chasing his PC-12 in June of 2019, he had flown a TBM700, a Cessna 414 with a RAM VI conversion, and a Cessna P210.
“The TBM was a great machine, and I think it was a nice progres- sion, too, from the 414. The TBM was also newer than my 1976 Cessna. You have more things that break as airplanes age, so the reliability of a newer plane makes a big difference. Also, the TBM was a game-changer with the increased speed, the reli- ability of its turbine power, the abil- ity to go up to 28,000 feet and to have better de-ice systems.”
Obermeyer contends that moving into the PC-12 was another big jump in his ownership journey.
“With the Pilatus, considerations for buying it over other aircraft or staying in the TBM 700 included the greater redundancy of the dual electrical systems and the dual FMS systems on the left and right side. It also has a bathroom, a wider cabin, and greater carrying capac- ity,” he stated before noting that fuel capacity was another crucial consideration of his. Also helping to justify the higher price was the historically lower depreciation of the Pilatus versus TBMs.
“I remember a flight in the TBM out to northern California with bad weather. You really stress on the fuel planning. Well, how many missed approaches can you shoot in Napa and still make it back to Reno? It gets pretty tight. In the Pilatus, it’s a piece of cake. I’ve gone from Tucson with three passengers to Jackson- ville with no stops and an hour and a half of extra fuel. The airplane has amazing range.”
Wally and Helen Obermeyer with the PC-12 at the time of purchase
Wally Obermeyer parked with his PC-12 in Omaha, which he visited for a Berkshire Hathaway meeting
February 2024 / TWIN & TURBINE • 25