Cessna 340 - lookin' for advice...
Moderator
I flew the 310 lots, and the 340 a little, they're pretty well the same plane, cabin and pressurization being the differences. Reading the POH, though very important, will not be enough, get some specific type training from a 310/340 experienced pilot. Though I'd flown Aztecs before, I did my formal multi engined training on the 310, with a very experienced 310 pilot. Thereafter, after some searching, I found an examiner to give me my multi engine rating on the 310, and I was glad I had. He know things about that plane which I learned during the ride. And, he knew things about it which allowed me to pass the ride even though it wasn't quite by the book - because the 310 was not quite by the book either. He knew that, and allowed for it.
The fuel system is excellent, and I really liked it, once I understood it. In hind sight, the six tanks, and requirement to manage fuel was preferable to the two tank system of the 303 which I later flew, and did not like anywhere near as much. All of that vintage of Cessnas are now subject to inspections more burdensome than those with which the plane was originally certified. These inspections are expensive, but necessary. Though I did fly the 310 off grass, it was really smooth grass. 310/340 gear (the same) is not borne for rough field, nor short field operations - that's where the Aztec had it over the 310. I had gear problems with the 310, and they were never corrected with complete confidence. I see twin Cessnas for sale at very attractive prices, and I know why. When a twin Cessna is offered for sale at a lower price than a Cessna single, there's a message in there for you. If you really need the second engine, okay, but you're going to pay for it! Let alone the second engine, there are many more systems, and things to fix. The plane was never manufactured to be economical transport this long after manufacture. The fact that they are still flying is due to owner dedication, and money - understand the costs! Sure, if the plane is given extensive maintenance, it'll be great. If the task and utilization justifies that, super! But, they are never a "deal" to fly because they are older.
Really do your research on this type...
The fuel system is excellent, and I really liked it, once I understood it. In hind sight, the six tanks, and requirement to manage fuel was preferable to the two tank system of the 303 which I later flew, and did not like anywhere near as much. All of that vintage of Cessnas are now subject to inspections more burdensome than those with which the plane was originally certified. These inspections are expensive, but necessary. Though I did fly the 310 off grass, it was really smooth grass. 310/340 gear (the same) is not borne for rough field, nor short field operations - that's where the Aztec had it over the 310. I had gear problems with the 310, and they were never corrected with complete confidence. I see twin Cessnas for sale at very attractive prices, and I know why. When a twin Cessna is offered for sale at a lower price than a Cessna single, there's a message in there for you. If you really need the second engine, okay, but you're going to pay for it! Let alone the second engine, there are many more systems, and things to fix. The plane was never manufactured to be economical transport this long after manufacture. The fact that they are still flying is due to owner dedication, and money - understand the costs! Sure, if the plane is given extensive maintenance, it'll be great. If the task and utilization justifies that, super! But, they are never a "deal" to fly because they are older.
Really do your research on this type...
