Cessna 421
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: South Africa
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Most advice given is correct
I'd agree with just about everything stated by the readers.
Yes I agree that given a good engineer & a careful pilot, the 421 series were OK.
However I've also seen & heard about numerous incidents, problems or expensive repairs.
Four little tips nobody is mentioning:-
DO NOT do run-ups whilst facing downwind.It's bad for the reduction gears.
DO NOT take-off if there is irregular running during the magneto check,
even i⯰f within limits.
DO NOT turn on soft sand, as the nosewheel can easily cock sideways & then the whole nose -leg will easily fail.
Avoid using rough grass runways, especially when there are build-ups of blown sand around every tuft. The gear will probably fail.
Been there- done that in Africa!
Yes I agree that given a good engineer & a careful pilot, the 421 series were OK.
However I've also seen & heard about numerous incidents, problems or expensive repairs.
Four little tips nobody is mentioning:-
DO NOT do run-ups whilst facing downwind.It's bad for the reduction gears.
DO NOT take-off if there is irregular running during the magneto check,
even i⯰f within limits.
DO NOT turn on soft sand, as the nosewheel can easily cock sideways & then the whole nose -leg will easily fail.
Avoid using rough grass runways, especially when there are build-ups of blown sand around every tuft. The gear will probably fail.
Been there- done that in Africa!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Newcastle
Age: 52
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C421C is a great aircraft, one of the most enjoyable to fly. Very reliable for me engines went to tbo , through forst 10% were changed prior to 2nd 10% and then still going strong never ever had a problem! The aircraft must be handled properly and you will find it is a very reliable, capable and sophisticated machine. You will not buy better for the value they are now at.
But best either be trained properly or employ a good commercial / IR pilot and have hime trained properly to fly 421's be careful of the guy that thinks he can just jump in and go and it is like any other aircraft. ITS NOT! However they are nothing to scared of and very easy to fly they just have strict disciplines to learn to get the best from the aircraft and then the aircraft will look after you.
Maintenance is tre expensive on the british register mostly inspections. Private ops suggest N reg low utilisation program.
Enjoy C421 big fan!
But best either be trained properly or employ a good commercial / IR pilot and have hime trained properly to fly 421's be careful of the guy that thinks he can just jump in and go and it is like any other aircraft. ITS NOT! However they are nothing to scared of and very easy to fly they just have strict disciplines to learn to get the best from the aircraft and then the aircraft will look after you.
Maintenance is tre expensive on the british register mostly inspections. Private ops suggest N reg low utilisation program.
Enjoy C421 big fan!
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: uk
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owned a 421 B and did the pond twice in it, plus all round europe and 50 cities in the USA. It was a 73 model with 1200 hour engines and electric aircon. The aircraft had 800 hours on the engines when purchased and they went to tbo no problem.
It likes to fly for at least an hour before going downhill. Stabilise the engine temps, and reduce wear and tear. if you need an up and down short sector machine...sorry get a turboprop.
But, it is nicer than a 90 king air, faster, quieter in the cabin beautiful to hand fly and a fabulous IR platform.
Hot and high performance knocks king airs and metroliners into the dust as well thanks to the turbos.
But.......be prepared for niggly glitches that no one can fix....pressurisation bits that dont get made anymore.
It is a fabulous bird, but you have to get e really good one, and luckily in my case, I knew the Pilot that flew it for its corporate existence before i bought it.
Flight safety do an excellent course in a motion sim. you dont need to do it of course, but I was glad i did, and i dont work for them either!
It is not an aircraft to be approached in a cavalier fashion, you will cost yourself a lot of money v quickly!
I miss flying her actually, but the UK is so limiting in terms of operating one.
BTW, beware the engine failure after takeoff, you might think you have a king air.....but when a donk quits at close to max weight you have around 7 seconds to get everything right....or you die.
Try it at 50 feet, night, obstacle, and IMC. V sobering. Dont, of course, try it in a real aeroplane.
Happy 421 hunting.
It likes to fly for at least an hour before going downhill. Stabilise the engine temps, and reduce wear and tear. if you need an up and down short sector machine...sorry get a turboprop.
But, it is nicer than a 90 king air, faster, quieter in the cabin beautiful to hand fly and a fabulous IR platform.
Hot and high performance knocks king airs and metroliners into the dust as well thanks to the turbos.
But.......be prepared for niggly glitches that no one can fix....pressurisation bits that dont get made anymore.
It is a fabulous bird, but you have to get e really good one, and luckily in my case, I knew the Pilot that flew it for its corporate existence before i bought it.
Flight safety do an excellent course in a motion sim. you dont need to do it of course, but I was glad i did, and i dont work for them either!
It is not an aircraft to be approached in a cavalier fashion, you will cost yourself a lot of money v quickly!
I miss flying her actually, but the UK is so limiting in terms of operating one.
BTW, beware the engine failure after takeoff, you might think you have a king air.....but when a donk quits at close to max weight you have around 7 seconds to get everything right....or you die.
Try it at 50 feet, night, obstacle, and IMC. V sobering. Dont, of course, try it in a real aeroplane.
Happy 421 hunting.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: France
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Cessna 421B
aztruck:
I enjoyed your post and agree with the comments. I am a fan of the 421B as a very good piston engine executive machine.
It takes a lot of beating!
Regards
Tmb
I enjoyed your post and agree with the comments. I am a fan of the 421B as a very good piston engine executive machine.
It takes a lot of beating!
Regards
Tmb
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: From Despair To Nowhere
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Don't take the engines beyond TBO. Just don't, really, I am serious, sell the cores at 1600 hours even if you have to ground the aircraft. Company was advised the same thing, I was reluctant to take it out of 100 hour check with one engine at 1700 hours when the replacement was delayed. I was lucky - the first thing to go was the turbo charger, so still had plenty of power. Third sector out of check. The rest of the engine went during power checks after the turbo change. Core was scrap, no significant value.
Oh, and order replacements early. Will probably take at least 3-4 months.
Oh, and order replacements early. Will probably take at least 3-4 months.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
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I own a 1980 421C and have put about 1,000 hours on it in the last 5 years. It is a great airplane! Quiet, comfortable and a joy to fly. I've had no problem with parts availability and maintenance has been reasonable for the class of airplane. The best one's are C models, serial # 800 and higher because they have trailing link gear. B's are cheaper but C's have simplier fuel systems, hydralic gear (which is better) and other improvements that make them worth the extra money, IMO.
It's a buyers market. You should be able to find a nice one for a great price. You won't find a better piston airplane.
It's a buyers market. You should be able to find a nice one for a great price. You won't find a better piston airplane.
