Wife and I suddenly took notice of 2 nicely maintained (seemingly) 320s.

Anyone have experience with the 320 and how it varies from a 310?

Thank you

Martin

I think George Braly has 320 experience.

The Cessna 320 is one of my favorite twins. I always wanted one but my experience is with Beechcraft so I have always stuck with what I know best.

The 320 fuselage is different than a 310 - the cabin has less taper as you go aft, so much better headroom for the folks in the back - the cabin is one of the most comfortable light twin cabins there is. The one thing that really struck me when I flew a 1967 320E is how quiet it was inside compared to a Baron. The double paned side windows and muffling of the exhaust through the turbochargers make a substantial difference.

The early 320’s with TSIO-470’s (through 1965 with the 320C) are much less desirable than the D, E, or F models with TSIO-520’s. Engine support and performance favor the later models. There are folks over at The Twin Cessna Flyer who can guide you as well as Tony Saxton at TAS in Defiance, OH, who arguably has the best shop in the country that specializes in Twin Cessnas.

These are great planes but they are complex and like all our birds are OLD. Cheap to buy but no way are they inexpensive to maintain in safe and reliable condition. Every plane has its “gotcha’s” and 320 SkyKnights are no exception. I’d still like to have one but will live vicariously through those who do.

My first twin was a C320E. It's a great airplane if well maintained. It's quite fast and flies well on one engine. The great thing about turbos is it will climb fast into the teens. I would not touch anything earlier than a 1966. You want the later models with TSIO-520 engines. Also, find one with an updated autopilot, the old Navomatics are junk and a good autopilot is a must have. Remember, these are old planes that would cost over $2mil new today. So, if you think your getting a bargain, it won't stay a bargain. If you are comparing it a T310, resale will be better on a T310. One last comment, If in your price range you can find a C340, go that direction. It won't cost any more to have pressurization.

These are great comments and advice!

Martin

I’m thinking about a 320E or F model

Agreed - but keep in mind the cost of initial and yearly recurrent training and a potential difference in the premiums as well.

The turbos are where the cost is incurred - the pressurization comes for almost free with regard to maintenance expense. Also, the condition of the glass is critical - very expensive on the pressurized stuff. Make sure pressurization is working well on the way in and it should not add much operational expense to go from a 320/T310 to a 340.