Cessna 303 Crusader

[cynic]

Who has flown one? Tell me about em...

 

[1900cpt]

i got my multi in one, but that was long ago. what in particular are you looking for?

 

[AeroBoy]

I did my entire multi-engine training in the C303 at Riddle back in 1995, and I haven't flown one since. From what I remember, it's a nice cabin-class piston twin. Good flying qualities (especially climbout) when both engines are turning, but a real handful when it comes to one engine out (real or simulated) as it requires a lot of rudder and stick work. When landing with one engine out, carry lots of power until you're nearly over the runway, otherwise it'll drop like a rock.

Not sure if this applies fleetwide or was just applicable to Riddle's 303s, but the engines weren't that reliable (I aborted many takeoffs due to lower-than-acceptable manifold pressure readings) and the airplanes were corroding like crazy--mainly in the tail section. Also, reliability was a problem--it was a good day if two of the five 303s that Riddle had were in service. This is why they got rid of the 303s in favor of new Piper Seminoles.

If you need any performance or specs, I'd be happy to look them up for you in my C303 POH on my shelf...

 

[Thedude]

I also did my multi in the 303 back in '93. I beleive the powerplants were the TSIO-520 but were de-rated to a lower horsepower. For a light twin, its a roomy airplane but I seem to remeber that you could either carry gas or people and not a large combo of both. I never had any maintaince problems with the thing and it flew just like all other Cessna products. I know Cessna did make to many of them becuase they did not sell very well. That is why Riddle got them and I understand it was a sweetheart deal. There was a big right up about the Crusader in AOPA mag back in about '92. If you can find a back issue it will tell you everything you want to know about that a/c.

 

[FN FAL]

Who has flown one? Tell me about em...

A buddy of mine in green bay owns one. He uses it for business. He likes it, but on one side of the plane he was on his third engine and the plane only had about 1,300 TT on it. I believe it was the side that counter rotated...things that make you say hmmmmmm?

Also, before you say that his short engine life was due to the plane being "owner flown"...keep in mind that this guy was a commercial pilot who had extensive charter flying experience. He got out of flying to take on a new career and before you know it, he starts his own machine building business and is successful at it. I should look him up and see if he needs another flying mechanic...for the right bucks it could be the delio for me.

 

[Sim Sweat]

Way back in the late 80's the 135 outfit I worked for had a Crusader, and many of us got our first MEL time in it.

But it went through engines like others went through oil filters. And the other poster is correct - losing or caging one engine made for a very interesting workload and serious drymouth.

Also had an avionics fan up front that sounded like someone was running a grinder!

 

[rchcfi]

I did my ME COMM in one. Great airplane from my perspective. I only accrued 80 hours in it though because the Chief Instructor at the FBO refused to rent it to me after a couple of guys I worked with got drunk, picked up some babes on the 4th of July, and spun it in killing all 5 of them. I didn't even know the guys, so now my logbook is in 2 pieces after I launched it at him after he implied I must be dangerous too.....

 

[Mmmmmm Burritos]

I did my ME COMM in one. Great airplane from my perspective. I only accrued 80 hours in it though because the Chief Instructor at the FBO refused to rent it to me after a couple of guys I worked with got drunk, picked up some babes on the 4th of July, and spun it in killing all 5 of them. I didn't even know the guys, so now my logbook is in 2 pieces after I launched it at him after he implied I must be dangerous too.....

He refused to rent you the plane after it had crashed? I would have to say that is a pretty sensible thing to do. Yes, yes it is quite sensible.

 

[rchcfi]

OK, ya got me....I forgot to mention they had 2, or at that point 1.

 

[FN FAL]

Who has flown one? Tell me about em...

So what's the delio? You buying one or do you have a bunch of T303 Parker 51 time in your log book and are looking for interview gouge?

 

[YourNameHere]

I did my ME COMM in one. Great airplane from my perspective. I only accrued 80 hours in it though because the Chief Instructor at the FBO refused to rent it to me after a couple of guys I worked with got drunk, picked up some babes on the 4th of July, and spun it in killing all 5 of them. I didn't even know the guys, so now my logbook is in 2 pieces after I launched it at him after he implied I must be dangerous too.....

Just read the NTSB Report on that accident. Unbelievably stupid.

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20001211X12931&ntsbno=LAX93FA274&akey=1

 

[FN FAL]

Just read the NTSB Report on that accident. Unbelievably stupid.

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20001211X12931&ntsbno=LAX93FA274&akey=1

Thanks...too bad they had to take the innocent bystander with them.

 

[Lead Sled]

A friend of mine was killed in one. They got involved with some serious icing. I understand that there were some issues with the known icing certification. I don't know how or if the shortcomings were resolved.

'Sled

 

[Snakum]

You buying one or do you have a bunch of T303 Parker 51 time in your log book and are looking for interview gouge?

Oh ... that reminds me ... can someone give me the lowdown on the Boeing Business Jet? You know ... fuel system, limitations, etc. The usual.

Minh

 

[charlesmelot]

Flown several. Nice to fly but you have to crawl to the cockpit. Pax sit on low seats with legs tangled. Wierd engines that are hard to get parts for as there are very few and most of the parts are not common to any other engine. Lousy engine and airframe fuel systems. In my book the least good airplane Cessna ever built. Charlie Melot Zephyr Aircraft Engines

 

[Blubaron]

Flown several. Nice to fly but you have to crawl to the cockpit. Pax sit on low seats with legs tangled. Wierd engines that are hard to get parts for as there are very few and most of the parts are not common to any other engine. Lousy engine and airframe fuel systems. In my book the least good airplane Cessna ever built. Charlie Melot Zephyr Aircraft Engines

A little plug for Charlie. If you ever need an OVH this is the man to call.

 

[FN FAL]

Oh ... that reminds me ... can someone give me the lowdown on the Boeing Business Jet? You know ... fuel system, limitations, etc. The usual.

Minh

I've got the "Cessna Wings for the World II" book sitting right in front of me. It has a comprehensive chapter on the T303, from design, testing and beyond. Lists all the limitations, performance figures, etc...a veritable pleathora/cornucopia of information. I suggest that if the original poster is buying, that he look on the net for a copy of the book.

In addition, Aviation Consumer's "Used Airplane Guide" is worth the money...you can buy the specific report for the airplane you are looking at or the entire guide. It makes for good reading and is very accurate...with owner's reports, charts depicting resale value, real world cost figures and gives details on all the AD's and model breakdowns.

We had a T303 MSN, but it was not in our charter fleet, we managed it for it's owner. I wanted to get some 303 time, but these Part 91 trips were so horible that the charter pilot flying them threatened to quit if he didn't quit getting assigned to fly them. So rather than get the experience, I opted out when management tried to pass this turd my way.