Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Cessna 336 information?

I cannot believe that I am even asking this question. But, a family friend just made me aware of a Cessna 336 fixed gear Skymaster possibly for sale. At a very intriguing price. Before I entice myself by looking further, I figure I had better try to gather some more information first. For I know absolutely nothing about this type of aircraft. Though, I have always had somewhat of a fascination for this in line twin Cessna.

Thoughts? ideas? Comments? All welcome!

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Maintenance and fuel hogs.

Can you please be more specific?

Thanks!

Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Rear engine has cooling issues. It's a 336, so the let's say... interesting RG system isn't a factor... the fuel tanks are bladders from what I remember and have issues... They are extremely slow for their fuel burn, and are ALWAYS in the shops I worked at.

Ask Wayne Westerman about the Skymaster. He's got well founded opinions on them.

If money and shop work were not a factor, I'd fly one. Decent performance, and I like how loud they are inside (though your pup might not like it!)

The specifications show range of 880 NM with 93 gallon fuel capacity?

That is only 9.5 GPH? On two engines? That can't be real? 15 GPH more realistic maybe?

170 MPH cruise? 15 GPH? Not quite as good fuel mileage as the 150/150, eh?


Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon

Try over 20gph.

9.46mpg... where our 150s will get 20+mpg.

I also think 880 miles is a little bit of a stretch.

Bill

I know they do have a reputation for eating the rear engine in a hurry for lack of proper cooling. I also know there are a ton of STC's available, including several to improve the cooling in the rear.

They are incredibly loud inside - I have personal experience there.

I would venture that 20 GPH is right on the money.

But, for a twin, they are available cheap and they have a dedicated following and a lot of after market stuff available.

If you are looking for speed, they ain't it, nor do they carry a ton of stuff. But they'll fly on one engine if they aren't heavy and its not that hot, from what I hear.

There's a fair amount of information available on them online, too....

The earlier 336-337 line had some issues with rear engine cooling and had a higher accident rate than you would expect. the accident rate was, believe it or not, due to more than a few pilots attempting to take off with only the front engine turning! Seems on more than one occasion, they forgot to start the rear!

Most, if not all of the squawks have been addressed - notably, the rear engine cooling issue. The 336-337 type club is a great source of info on this. Also, as had been noted, the cabin was extraordinarliy loud due to the rear engine. This was for the most part, fixed in the later models with improved soundproofing and a different engine mount, baffles, and cowling. The landing gear doors - all nine of 'em - are a source of consternation at times, meaning, what many consider 'em to be unduly complex.

Still, personally, I've always liked the Skymaster (some call it the Skymasher). It's an innovative design, and flown properly, is a real treat. I had the opportunity to fly one when I was 18 years old in 1975 and really enjoyed it. The elevator is huge and a bit on the heavy side, and trim is an absolute neccessity but strangely enough, I found the ailerons and rudder surprisingly light. Room for six, lots of side by side room, and safe - no critical engine to speak of, although the bird performs significantly better on the rear engine only vs. the front engine only. Typical issues for a tractor and pusher powerplant. The turbo /pressurized models allow flight into the Flight Levels and I think (may be wrong here, but not sure) they were available with options to allow flight into known icing conditions. (boots, deicing/anti-icing props and more).

They can be had for a surprisingly cheap price, especially now since the bottom is falling out of the light twin market due to gas and the weak economy. At Dry Creek just last week, I saw a 337 that was picked up with low/mid time engines (non pressurized) for - get this - 30-something bills. A real creampuff can be had for just under $100,000 if you're looking for one.

The Air Force flew 'em in Vietnam. Can't remember the military designation at the moment. The FAA had to invent a new rating for the Skymaster - Multi Engine, Limited to Centerline Thrust. I understand this rating has been eliminated and one needs a conventional Multiengine rating to fly one. But still, I really like 'em, and I wouldn't mind having one. Innovative, a bit off the wall and unconventional.

Just like Poobs.