Misadjusted latch. Cowl was closed, latched, and tested before flight. Left side popped open on descent.

Robert

And the winner is..... A 1976 Cessna 421C

Thank you all for the advice. This purchase comes almost 5 years from my original post. It's been a long journey, and the A36 has been a great plane all along. When I asked I had 500 hours and a new commercial certificate. I am now at 1200 hours and have added my CFI-I and MEI certificates. I was lucky enough to rent a friend's Navajo for the past few years when it has been available (and not in the shop) to build multi time and get comfortable with a larger plane. As time passed I knew FIKI and pressurization were must haves. I found 2 other pilots to partner up with, one of whom is an AP/ AI who is able to maintain our airplane (huge plus there right?) We also procured a large T hangar. We looked at many different models. We came very close a couple of times to some twin turboprops. A Cheyenne I or II would be a natural upgrade from a Navajo, but the insurance would be near triple what the 421 costs us at the same hull value. Also, despite what anyone says, my math tells me it will cost 2-3x what the 421 will cost for the same trips. A little faster, yes. More reliable with turbine engines- undoubtedly. We also wanted ( and may still own an MU2, but at this point it didn't seem like the right fit. First there is the insurance issue, then the SFAR recurrent annual training, and I was constantly told how unforgiving they were by a number of experienced aviators I trust. I know the numbers don't support their admonitions, but it is still unsettling to hear it.

On the piston side we looked at Dukes and could have settled on a Duke except we didn't find exactly the right one. Also they were not as big as my wife would have liked with our growing family of 6. We also looked at 414's but not 414A's since it would not fit in our hangar. Eventually we zeroed in on a 421. We found an amazing 421B that we lost despite a full price offer (long story there for another time). Finally we found our 1976 421C model. It had the right combination of qualities and price. It has new paint, new interior, G600TXI, twin GTN 750s, STEC 55x, AC, FIKI, mid-time engines, a potty seat, and a useful load of 2450 pounds!. On our list of items we want to install we have: an engine monitor, speed brakes, strakes, and a radar unit. There were some minor squaks and the props needed overhaul so she'll be grounded for a couple weeks while they get done.

We did our initial training at Executive Flight Training in Beaufort SC and had a good experience with that outfit. My first flight was this week and it was a rush. The thrust on takeoff is impressive. It's very quiet at 1700-1800 RPM. It has respectable speed for the fuel burn and the useful load/ storage space

It will undoubtedly be a constant maintenance project, but with 3 meticulous owners, one of whom is an AI, I think we have a good arrangement. I have no intention of selling my share of the A36 partnership, and the other two guys can rent it if they need since we will be sharing the 421. I am not sure if this will be our forever plane, but it's arguably the top end of the piston market, so if we make a move, it will most likely be to an MU2 or something similar. But for now, we all are quite enamored with it. I will be sure to report on our flying adventures. COVID be dammed, we should all still find opportunities to enjoy flying. Thank you all again for the excellent advice.

Excellent choice, your family will love it and want to go on more trips.

Congrats on a BEAUTIFUL plane!

(also on your added ratings)





Ron

Very nice!

On your upgrades... Definitely need an engine monitor and a radar (rare to see a big twin without a radar).

However, I really don't think you need speedbrakes. In the C model the gear speed is so high (174 from memory) that they can be dropped early if needed. Just my $0.02!

Robert

Thanks Robert. From the little flying I've don in it so far, I have not felt the need for speedbrakes either. Engine monitor really needs to be first in my opinion. But yes, radar too

You will love the 421C. It's a flying Suburban that's comfortable, flies great, and can take you into any airport you would dare take an A36. If I didn't own my Aerostar, I'd own a 421C, and would trade in a minute as my charity missions would support the larger cabin.

"Poor planning devices", i.e., speed brakes on a 421C are 45# of dead weight. In the couple thousand hours of flying most of the piston Twin Cessna's, I only used them once or twice, and I could have avoided them those couple times by working with ATC...

Congrats Doc!

Get speed covers (hubcaps) from premier aviation. Cheap performance adder and really helps SE climb.

Congrats !

Thanks Scott- I just was reading about them last night. Will do!

Speed covers work.

Mark if you had ask this question earlier, as in years, I could have given you a cheaper solution but that’s water under the bridge.

Oooh, that's pretty!

I also agree. There was a noticeable difference when I installed them on the 421C that I managed. The newer models with valve stem access would be much nicer than the older model that I had that required removal to install.

If memory serves me right, it took about an hour to install. I don't think I had to remove the wheels to install. Just jack the MLG, remove the brakes, deflate the tire, install the three retainers on each wheel, reinstall the brakes, inflate and lower.