Moving up to a 421C from a Bonanza A36

[chuck decker]

Well my partner who does not fly wants a Cessna 421c golden Eagle ASAP. I am a single engine instrument rated pilot with 1300 hours, over 500 in the A36. Looking for advice on the plane as well as suggestions on training to fly the 421. I have been told obviously get the twin rating first which should be no problem, however after the twin rating some say go to SIMCOM and others say I should get actual time to get the certification SFAR for the 421. I would appreciate any input. I also have had a difficult time figuring out what the true burn per hour and cruise speed of the 421 is in addition to the useful load. I read with VORTEC Generators 2400# usefull before fuel and about 42 GPH at 12,000 feet.

By the way the A36 is a true 170 KTS plus and usefu load of 1501# before fuel with the IO 550, so this is hard to beat.

Thanks
Chuck

[C310Q]

While the 421 is probaly a great airplane, it maybe wise to get some experience in a lighter twin before jumping into an airplane of that class. Simcom is definely a good choice.

[bluesideup]

I fly a 421B. I can tell you it's no different from any other Cessna twin. It's amazingly similar to a 310. Get as much training time as possible in the real airplane. General Aviation sims are not very good. I have 35 years experience in airline sims and even those very expensive machines are not perfect.

Plan on 48 GPH as a realistic fuel flow. I've never met a 421 owner that flies lean of peak. I have seen as little as 42 GPH on my 421B but it was at reduced power settings and TAS of 185 at 14,000ft.

Try not to go above FL210. The turbos are working too hard and really heat things up in the engine. Also the 421 is a bit of a pig climbing and just takes forever to get there. The performance section of the POH is highly optomistic.