Cessna

[Phantom]

I am looking at the option of utilising a palne to transit between shipping Ports under my jurisdiction. I currently do on average 185km per day in the car and it is becoming tiring. If I fly to thes Ports it will be ovre water thus it has been suggested I look at a twin engine aircraft. Unfortunately my knowledge of aircraft is somewhat dwarfted by my knowledge of ships, thus am looking for advice. In the town where I work a local company owns 5 Cessna 337 used for Tuna spotting. As my requirements are similar in terms of open water flying, I thought these aircraft would be a good option as the there is also some engineering expertice here already. However there appears to be a lot of models in the 337 range, and my budget being only AUD$100 000 to AUD$150 000, I don't know where to begin.

[BAYALON]

The 337 is a nice aircraft. I heared (but do not have first hand experience) that they have over heating problems with the rear engine. In the UK they are not very popular and very few can be seen. I was offred one some 8 months ago for £32,000 (or so)but can't remember the spec. Piper Aztecs are good workhorses as well as the Piper Comanche PA30/39 and Piper Seminole PA-44 (not sure about the Speling). Did you think of a single engine Cessna/Piper with floats, i.e. a Seaplane? A multi engine A/C is 30%-40% more expansive to run then a single engine is.
Sorry, but can not help regarding prices. Try the following site, it might help. http://aviation.about.com/hobbies/aviation/index.htm


[This message has been edited by BAYALON (edited 10-31-2000).]

[canasdad]

The 337 is a nice twin without too many faults and also relatively inexpensive. Bayalon is correct, the early models had rear engine cooling problems. However those were solved on later models. (A close friend owned one of the earlier models, and had some mods done while re-engining) The centerline thrust is a nice feature in case of engine problems. I had a chance to fly both the 336 and 337, and they have very standard Cessna like flying characteristics. The overall safety record is not any better than for conventional twins, for what reason, seems unclear. In standard twins, I like the Aztec due to its hauling ability, reliable engines, and great range, and price.
Since the overall record of singles is actually better than of twins, I certainly would look seriously at a very reliable single such as a C182 or C185. For your typical distances you would'nt even notice the difference in speed. All thing being equal, they have only 1/2 as many engine failures per hour, and use less money in all operations. Also, unless you do a lot of island hopping, flying 3-4 KM off shore is a good option- in the C185 a beach landing is not difficult.
Good luck

[BAYALON]

Phantom
I came across the following at AvWeb. Have a good reading and a Happy New Year. http://www.avweb.com/articles/twinmove.html

[tomhorn]

Get a Lake Amphibian!!

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Tom Legg
Lake N616RW