BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Dec 2020, 11:53

Anyone who does not believe the 337 is not an intimidating aircraft has not paid to maintain one.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Dec 2020, 11:58

Username Protected wrote:

Anyone who does not believe the 337 is not an intimidating aircraft has not paid to maintain one.

Bad experience Steve? How many 337's have you owned?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Dec 2020, 12:58

Cessna 411

Username Protected · **Posted:** 16 Dec 2020, 16:06

Username Protected wrote:

Today, many are still seeing active roll for government contractors because they are the cheapest thing out there with hardpoints to use for training, border patrol with FLEER pods, and other uses, plus just toys for big boys.

The company I work for purchased an O-2A two years ago as a flying testbed in the restricted or experimental categories. It was previously owned/operated by a well-known technical university for the same purpose. The hardpoints are useful for testing radar, ELINT, and jamming pods. The cabin has sufficient room for VME electronic chassis. We also use it as a test target for our ground-based radar systems. It's a very versatile, cost-effective tool. Previously, we had to work with other defense electronics companies to fly test payloads on their aircraft, or charter aircraft from local providers to use as radar test targets. The O-2 has provided us with much more flexibility and lower recurring costs. Count me in as a new 337 fan!

Greg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Dec 2020, 13:46

I remember the O-2's being nicknamed "Ducks", not "Oscar Deuce". The USAF flew them until around '88. Having initial training at Patrick AFB, FL (Cocoa Beach!) certainly wasn't a bad deal, I'm told!

I knew a former USAF pilot that was killed in a civilian contract 337 about 10 years ago in Avon Park FL, doing work with the special ops community. No clue if they were capable of expending munitions but I wouldn't be surprised if they were.

Username Protected wrote:

I say it's the Bamboo Bomber

We've got one at our local airport, and the owner does flight training in it! I'm going to go get an hour of dual for my Christmas present to myself.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Dec 2020, 14:04

Username Protected wrote:

Some good flying scenes of these birds in the old Gene Hackman/Danny Glover movie BAT-21.

I really enjoyed the book. :thumbup:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Dec 2020, 21:37

Username Protected wrote:

I’m having a hard time with “intimidating” and “Cessna” in the same
sentence.

Oh, I don't know. The 152 was overwhelming on walkaround when I was 16. And all those instruments!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Dec 2020, 22:19

Username Protected wrote:

No rocket pod or bomb, but just saw this one in Marfa, TX

I saw that the other day flying through and joked to the FBO guy about what uses it might have so close to the border, being painted black from what looks like a can of Krylon.

He told me about a Global that flew in for three hours with a guy and his daughter to see the Prada art installation.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Dec 2020, 12:32

Username Protected wrote:

I say it's the Bamboo Bomber

I remember they showcased this on the "Wonderful World of Flying", and I seem to recall that the late Jeff Ethel said it was a challenging airplane to fly because of it's antiquated-when-it-was-built systems and quirky handling.

Best,
Rich

Most Intimidating Piston Cessna