A couple different ends of the spectrum with these 2 planes but one thing I believe; the Aerostar is the most balanced, direct, honest, and best flying piston twin ever invented.

I moved back to a 331 powered Commander, another brilliant and great flying Ted Smith design.

For me, with business and kids 1,000- 1,500 nm away, JetA is more practical.

Are windshields available for both? If so, does anyone know the cost for each plane? I found a used one for the Cessna at $17.5k and on Aerostar site it says anti ice so I doubt that is the windshield. Looks like side windows are available and reasonable

I agree! Buy and fly the aircraft that meets your mission.

New windshields for the 421c are in stock at textron, can’t remember exactly but it’s 25-30k.

Thanks

The Aerostar windshield has a hot plate typically on higher end planes. The windshield is expensive, but available.

There were also alcy windshields, some of which were grandfathered known-ice.

I don't know first hand, but I have seen labor figures for the installation on the 340 windshield - better have a drink before reading that bid. I would suspect the 421 could be similar on install cost.

And just so the viewers don't confuse you with Arne ,

how many different types do you have in your books?

In Arnie’s defense:

I think I’m the Aerostar owner he was referring to.

Big Ego.

Plus, I have repeatedly posted big (realistic) numbers for the cost of ownership of a pressurized Aerostar.

Worse, I tell potential owners that if they have the slightest economic concern at the prospect of a 50K surprise, they should pass on owning a pressurized twin, any pressurized piston twin.

Them’s fighting words for wantabe buyers (and sellers).



Bottom line:

An Aerostar is pretty comfortable for four occupants, and is going to be faster and have a lower ownership cost per mile than a 400 series Cessna piston twin.

An Aerostar handles and flys really nice, there is nothing tricky about flying one, assuming you fly it like an Aerostar and not a Cessna 182.

There is nothing wrong with a 421, much more cabin space and comfortable seating for more than four occupants, and the 421 should be quieter due to the slower propeller speeds of its geared engines.

Somewhere I read that one should buy an airplane that can do 80% of the owner’s missions and if necessary charter for the 20%.

Sounds reasonable.

I’m an egotistical Aerostar owner, I don’t care about reasonable or even practical.

I don’t think everyone should be an Aerostar owner, I don’t say “come on in the water’s fine”.
I believe a fair number of folks who imagine it would be cool to own an Aerostar shouldn’t.

Basically, owning (AND properly maintaining and operating) an Aerostar makes you a member of a special club, folks who were members of that club aren’t ex-Aerostar owners, they are former Aerostar owners. There is a difference, and if you know, you know.

Last: When Bill Lear was asked about the absence of a toilet in his airplane, he said I don’t have a toilet in my Cadillac I don’t need one in my airplane.

No toilet in my Aerostar.

So slow you need a rear view mirror!

And just so the viewers don't confuse you with Arne ,

how many different types do you have in your books?

So slow you need a rear view mirror!

Yes, mine has the alcohol window, my 601P had the hot plate. I had alcohol window on my pre-Roman Empire Turbo Commander - simple system that works reasonably well.

I've only flown PIC in 19 distinct types. Spread across SES,SEL,MEL,Glider,
"flown" (not PIC) 5 or 6 more.
Never flown anything that burns Jet-A
The Aerostar is the nicest handling plane I've ever flown.

When at Max gross in the climb on a hot day, say ISA +10 to +15, what will the Aerostar 700 and the Cessna 421C approximate climb rates be from FL 200 to 250? Is FL 250 realistic to get to on a warm day at max gross?

Garth

If you’re debating whether, or, not you want to own an Aerostar, you probably should not own one. On the other hand, if you want an Aerostar, there really is no debate and depending on how you look at it, no logic. You just want it. If you’re a newbie and want an Aerostar, once you fly it, it’s all over. All common sense goes out the door. There’s just nothing like it and probably never will be. Today, the mind set is just not there for design. When you fully understand what Ted Smith designed, it’s staggering.

Thankfully some of us live in a period where we get to own fly and enjoy this magnificent design of an airplane. That day will not be with us forever. It will be a memory. Thankfully for some of us, it’s reality.