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Flying a 340
The Cessna 340 is a great plane to fly. TAS of 200kts at 36 GPH in the flight levels, pressurized, useful load around 1900 lbs, very benign handling, 800 nm IFR range, 1,600 fpm climb at full power @ sea level and easy handling with an engine out. The downsides, insurance costs, maintenance cost and fuel cost. If you’ve got the checkbook it’s a great way to fly.
As for as workload coming from a 206, yeah maybe a little. Flying twins are no different then SE aircraft unless one craps out, then; if you made a good choice in the aircraft like owning a 340, and if you are current and proficient, and if it does not happen on takeoff, and if you maintain at least blueline (100kts), and if you have VG’s, and if God is not frowning on you that day, then it’s no big thing. When you land on your remaining engine you clean your pants, praise God, and thank yourself for owning an aircraft with great handling characteristics that does not turn into a glider when you lose an engine. My procedure is to climb out at full power at 120kts until I have 1,000 feet AGL, then reduce power to 75% push the nose over a little and proceed with the departure as planned. The old timers have a rumor that engine problems tend to occur when you change power settings, once you have 1,000 feet under your seat, terrain permitting, you are in pretty good shape in a 340.
Just my opinion,
Life is Good
Last edited by LifeisGood : 04-20-2008 at 10:56 AM.
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