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

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.