The Cessna Skymaster

KLB

KLB

Well-Known Member
Anyone have any experience flying a Skymaster? I am supposed to be instructing someone towards a multi engine rating with a "center line thrust only" restriction and I don't know squat about the plane or the restriction. I think I can figure the restriction out. Anyone know the do's and don'ts of the plane?
 
I did read a story about a pilot taking off with the rear engine inop. He made it about 100' above the ground and then slowly sank to the earth. It was in AOPA or something. Other than that.. good luck!
 
Find a local CFI with "Mixmaster" time and pick his/her brains or even go up and get familier yourself before instructing in it.
 
I used to fly Skymasters in survey work and can help, too. PM me as well.

From what I understood, the FAA eliminated the centerline thrust restriction on new certificates. I heard that all new multi applicants must get their rating in a conventional twin. Could be wrong though.
 
I have to take the guy to Austin in it tomorrow. He's letting me have it till Sunday to get my 5hrs PIC and play around in it. I then, have to go back to Austin and pick him up in it.

I've need helpful hints....such as give the rear engine power first (to assure thats it running) and then the forward engine. Anymore helpful hints like that. What the heck do I have to teach the guy for the checkride. Everything but the Vmc demo?

I'll get some answers about the checkride from a D.E. tomorrow.
 
citabriapilot said:
I used to fly Skymasters in survey work and can help, too. PM me as well.

From what I understood, the FAA eliminated the centerline thrust restriction on new certificates. I heard that all new multi applicants must get their rating in a conventional twin. Could be wrong though.
Click to expand...

I heard the same too...haven't found in in writing anywhere though...
 
Yeah, the actual POH for the airplane suggests/commands that you add power to the rear first for the reason you thought: to verify that it is producing power.

An engine failure at gear retraction is probably the worst thing since the gear doors open up like big clam shells. We always waited till 500' before raising the gear as a preventative cause. Might have been a little conservative, but that's what the boss wanted.

Other than a few quirks, I really enjoyed the Skymaster. It perfomed well, went fast and was economical. We used them for whale surveys off the coast of FL and with the power pulled back to 100-110 kts indicated at 1000 feet the engines were burning a total of 12-13 gallons an hour.

I would assume that everything is the same on the PTS except for the VMC demo, but like I said, ask the FSDO about the centerline thrust rating, although according to 61.45(b) it looks like its still legit.
 
Thanks for everyones help. I'm preparing to make the trip to AUS right now. I guess I'll post how it went when I get back.
 
Well the flight was pretty unevenful for the most part. I had to skate around P-49. I was squawking, talking, and on a VFR flight plan though. Landing that plane is a bear and a half though. It flies very similar to the 210....except. I seem to float forever and then plop down all of a sudden. I'll have to get with a couple of guys that own other 337's on the field and pick up the secret from them.

Edit: Oh! And I did feel like Danny Glover looking for Gene Hackman in that thing! "This is bird dog one....Come in?"
 
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