28 Apr 2024, 19:49 [ UTC - 5; DST ]
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C  Posted: 27 Jun 2012, 19:58 |
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Joined: 09/02/09
Posts: 8459
Post Likes: +8447
Company: OAA
Location: Oklahoma City - PWA/Calistoga KSTS
Aircraft: UMF3, UBF 2, P180 II
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Username Protected wrote: A 421B I maintain is flown at 32 GPH. Throttled back to about 65%
We have exerted effort the engines to run LOP.
Spoilers allow addtional 1000 FPM descent soone can keep the engines powered up while letting down.
Very nice ride.
I have several hundred hours in Barons, and in Twin pressurized Cessnas.
I don't place them in the same class. What TAS does the airplane run at 32GPH? Altitude?
_________________
Travel Air B4000, Waco UBF2,UMF3,YMF5, UPF7,YKS 6, Fairchild 24W, Cessna 120
Never enough!
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 27 Jun 2012, 20:00 |
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Joined: 09/02/09
Posts: 8459
Post Likes: +8447
Company: OAA
Location: Oklahoma City - PWA/Calistoga KSTS
Aircraft: UMF3, UBF 2, P180 II
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Username Protected wrote: more Very nice Spencer! One of the nicest twin C panels I've seen. For some reason these planes don't often seem to have as nice of panels as a typical Bonanza or Baron.
_________________
Travel Air B4000, Waco UBF2,UMF3,YMF5, UPF7,YKS 6, Fairchild 24W, Cessna 120
Never enough!
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 27 Jun 2012, 20:12 |
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Joined: 03/17/08
Posts: 6081
Post Likes: +12531
Location: KMCW
Aircraft: B55 PII,F-1,L-2,OTW,
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Username Protected wrote: oh I've got to disagree with Doug on that one...the King Air cockpit is light-years ahead of the 421/Conquest. The Conquest II is a better overall performer than most King Airs of course, but when it comes to human factors and man to machine interface, and overall professional design/build, the King Air wins in my opinion. No contest. Tyler, I'll take the bait on this. Lets talk this out. First off, I have long legs and I do not fit comfortably in the King Air -90. And that I am not comfortable in the King Air and it is noisy. The trim wheel is where my hand falls normally and I usually use manual trim in the C-400's because it is so natural. Never in the King Air... The circuit breakers are right under your elbow without and need to reach or lean across the cockpit, and the switches are not hidden behind the yoke. The panel is lower and the visibility is far superior in a -400. What is more ergonomic in the King Air... Tailwinds, Doug
_________________
Tailwinds,
Doug Rozendaal
MCW
Be Nice, Kind, I don't care, be something, just don't be a jerk ;-)
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 27 Jun 2012, 21:09 |
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Joined: 11/18/10
Posts: 458
Post Likes: +114
Location: Chicago
Aircraft: C441, C310N
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Username Protected wrote: more Very nice Spencer! One of the nicest twin C panels I've seen. For some reason these planes don't often seem to have as nice of panels as a typical Bonanza or Baron.
Tony, I agree. How do you spend that much on maintenance and avgas and not on a panel?
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 28 Jun 2012, 00:03 |
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Joined: 12/10/07
Posts: 14704
Post Likes: +4289
Location: St. Pete, FL
Aircraft: BE 58
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Username Protected wrote: oh I've got to disagree with Doug on that one...the King Air cockpit is light-years ahead of the 421/Conquest. The Conquest II is a better overall performer than most King Airs of course, but when it comes to human factors and man to machine interface, and overall professional design/build, the King Air wins in my opinion. No contest. Tyler, I'll take the bait on this. Lets talk this out. First off, I have long legs and I do not fit comfortably in the King Air -90. And that I am not comfortable in the King Air and it is noisy. The trim wheel is where my hand falls normally and I usually use manual trim in the C-400's because it is so natural. Never in the King Air... The circuit breakers are right under your elbow without and need to reach or lean across the cockpit, and the switches are not hidden behind the yoke. The panel is lower and the visibility is far superior in a -400. What is more ergonomic in the King Air... Tailwinds, Doug
Doug,
I'd have to side with Tyler, however, my experience is probably limited compared to you guys. I didnt find the need to reach for breaker in the KA and found the vis adequate and certainly not worse that the 421. We did fly a 414 which was similar and not even close to the KA in comfort.
We also operated two Cheyennes (an early I and a later II), beside my buddy that operated 3 421s. We operated slightly cheaper per mile, had significantly better dispatch (not even close, as we had ONE no go, in both planes and that only lasted a few hours), and our engine maintenance was a non issue. Sure, they Cheyenne purchase price was more (and wasn't really my favorite plane), but was very reliable and a lot faster that the 421. And, yea the 421 was more comfy that that plane.....
I'd still take a good old KA, or perhaps a Commander. I just am not a fan of big piston, turbo'd engines.... and I've had a few.
_________________
Larry
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 28 Jun 2012, 01:11 |
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Joined: 05/14/09
Posts: 408
Post Likes: +42
Location: Camarillo, California
Aircraft: Baron B55
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we had a B58 colemill, then a C421 for the company, i now have a B-55 personal. the 421 was wonderful, all above comments ring true. we had few maintenance issues, dispatch was very good ( no service on our home field), quiet, confortable, capable.
we were gentle with power changes, easy on start up, and good maintenane shop ( lloyds in Bakersfield). Had a 425 after that, more power, more costly, cooler exhaust smell.
C-421 a very good plane in my view.
bob
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 28 Jun 2012, 12:05 |
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Joined: 08/12/08
Posts: 7430
Post Likes: +2256
Company: Retired
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Aircraft: '76 A36 TAT TN 550
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Username Protected wrote: I just am not a fan of big piston, turbo'd engines.... and I've had a few. Now you tell me!  Seriously, I'm guessing you're not referring to the TAT TN product residing on my 550... 
_________________
ABS Life Member
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 28 Jun 2012, 13:24 |
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Joined: 01/31/10
Posts: 13101
Post Likes: +6970
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Username Protected wrote: I just am not a fan of big piston, turbo'd engines.... and I've had a few. Now you tell me! Seriously, I'm guessing you're not referring to the TAT TN product residing on my 550...
Larry,
The engines would not concern me at all, after the experience I have had with the 58P. I have learned that it is all in the proper setup and operation, as well as using some techniques that our resident experts here have enlightened us with. I've got those babies running cool and smooth as butter.
On the 421, the additional component of the gear drive could be a concern. Have others had issues with the gear drive system?
Best,
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 28 Jun 2012, 18:10 |
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Joined: 12/19/08
Posts: 560
Post Likes: +22
Location: CYXH - Medicine Hat, AB
Aircraft: DA42
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Username Protected wrote: Isn't there an Centurion diesel option for the 421? There was a "vapourware" Centurion package for the Duke but I don't recall one for the 421. But my recall was wrong; there was talk of it here http://www.avbuyer.com/articles/detail.asp?Id=484 There is a turbine package available for the Cessna 340, http://66.147.244.90/~onaircra/products ... onversion/ , but I'm not sure why you wouldn't just purchase a Conquest and get the bigger cabin.
_________________
Doug Thompson
CPL, ME, IR
CYXH - Medicine Hat, AB
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Post subject: Re: Talk to me about the 421C Posted: 28 Jun 2012, 18:46 |
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Joined: 10/27/10
Posts: 10861
Post Likes: +6885
Location: Cambridge, MA (KLWM)
Aircraft: 1997 A36TN
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Those of you considering a 421 might consider renting one from DayStar in Tampa/St Pete (KPIE). I got a couple hours in it and loved it. It's not cheap compared to an A36, but renting it is fairly reasonable, especially compared to buying an airplane you don't want. My prediction: you'll love it, and the "boss" will really love it. I have no affiliation,other than satisfied customer, and some moan that they're running something like a 134.5 op, but for my needs, it was clear that I was legit part 91 rental. http://www.daystarair.net/pilot.html
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