C-337s

[SKYMASTER]

I had a 1967 turbocharged C-337 Skymaster for a few years and loved it. For a twin I did get about 150 kts. and 24 gal/hr. Prior posts are correct about being a twin, turbocharge, complex gear, double vaccum, and hyd system do make for a little more expensive annual. The speed and gas is nothing special at all, but, for around a $50,000 price tag it can be a huge advantage over something faster like Baron or Seneca. I also like the feel being heavy and the level or slight pitch up attitude like a heavy jet. Therefore landing almost like one as well. I also really like the centerline thrust, and the multi time also helped me get an airline job. I found it to be very safe from an engineering/design standpoint. Both engines ran good and stayed cool. I have also shut each engine down on the Skymaster, just myself, full fuel, and a couple bags. Each engine climbed about 500 feet/min, clean config. This was on extended range/turbocharge. The long range tanks were also really nice. Seems like it had around 8 hr total endurance. Good luck.

 

[sky37d]

I live, and operate from a ~2700 ft grass strip. I lead in with the rear, get some speed up, hit it with the front. Never any damage on the rear.

Big trees at both ends. I like the twin, I like the CLT, I like that if I lose an engine, at blue line, I can still climb. Right off the ground, I'm at blue line, then climbing. After clearing the trees, gear up.

I have thought about other planes, but I wouldn't feel as comfortable and safe as I do in the 337