I recommend them. (Such nicknames come from the tank's fish-like profile.) One of my bladders was replaced in 2002, and my other one is just starting to leak a bit now. LH Main Tank. If you have a hankering for old and complex airplanes, the 310 might well fit the bill, so long as you know that the initial maintenance bills can be thrilling. According to owners and 310 support groups, parts are readily available for the airplane, although, as is true with any model these days, the costs can be dear. The 310R also boasted an improved landing gear, though it was still not as rugged as many would like. Fuel systemAll of those responding to our request for feedback felt the need to point out that the 310s fuel system has gotten a bad rap, and that its not as tough to deal with as people think. I have been taught by 310 drivers with much more experience to set the nose down lightly and avoid high-speed turns that induce side loads on the gear components. Distinguishing marks of these early models are multiple rear windows, a straight tail, and tuna tanks, so-called for their shape. Three-ten shoppers (and pilots) would do well to sit down with a jug of coffee and a good reading lamp and bone up on this airplane's fuel system. I can count on one hand the significant expenditures over the past four years: autopilot overhaul ($2500), starter adapter replacement, both engines ($700 each), three-blade prop overhaul including boots ($3500 each). To improve low-speed handling and stall behavior, the company MicroAero offers vortex generators that are attached to the wings and vertical stabilizers. Then the rubber of each nipple can be softened by wrapping it in a towel or rag thats been dipped in hot water. RAP is a proud certified repair center for the following: RAP supports all branches of the United States Military through the repair of aircraft fuel cells / fuel bladders. (We do not part out singles.). Related Products for Cessna 310 1975. In 1987 over Delta, Utah a pilot unfamiliar with the fuel system crashed because he thought the mains were in the wings and the auxes at the tips. This disruption was not the end of the Model 310, however. George, I just did a 182 this summer. Money talks, though, and the true cost of a twin is doubled engine maintenance and fuel bills. Cessna part 1200065-2 $1,485.00 Choose Options sku: EA-1200065-1E Fuel Cell, LH Main Tank. The wingtip fuel tanks on the original Cessna 310 carried a total of 100 gallons of fuel. Treated properly, the turbos will go beyond engine TBO. Landing gearThe other 310 system that gets a lot of attention is the landing gear. The Cessna 310 is known for its speed, but owners use this ability sparingly due to the high fuel consumption required. Even without radar, some 310s with full fuel push the forward CG limit with just a pilot in front, so there are times when seating has to be assigned. Center frequently leaves me high and then assumes that I can make a turbo-prop/jet type descent. Parts availability has never been a problem. Stalls on the Cessna 310 are not described as particularly nasty but are still not quite as gentle as on Cessnas high-wing singles. The new FAA certified 900-HP Daher Kodiak 900 turboprop single combines TBM 960 and Kodiak 100 DNA into one airplane. Additionally, the company began offering three-blade propellers as a factory option. The fuel vent valve must be reinstalled with the hinge line up. For one thing, the all-electric gear is not particularly quick to stow. I believe the 310 is easier to fly IFR, particularly in bumpy conditions, than a Baron even though the Baron may please a pilot on a VFR day with a lighter control feel. All Listings filter applied; Delivery Options. Condition. Handling310s have a reputation for Dutch roll in the hands of new pilots, caused in part by high rotational inertia due to the extra weight of fuel at the wingtips. It starts with nomenclature. Contains fuel resistant O-rings as called out in the manual and the valve plate gasket. In one aircraft, maximum payload is 1059 pounds, which can handle six FAA adults (170 pounds) and 39 pounds of baggage. FFC constructions meet the Technical Standard TSO-C80. Much like the parts supply, finding technicians with experience in this aircraft is very common thanks to the sheer number of units delivered and still airworthy. top. The Twin Bonanza, in turn, had a rather short life in the market and lingered on primarily as a military trainer, but its performance and high operational costs made it unable to compete with the Cessna 310. Removing and replacing a bladder is not a difficult process. The mains have to be run for 60 minutes if the airplane has 20-gallon aux tanks (or 90 minutes for 30-gallon aux tanks) because excess fuel is pumped back to the mains, and if there isnt room for it, it goes overboard. Still, for a twin-engine aircraft, the Cessna 310 performs reasonably with only one running. The bladder I purchased was a much smoother and a much more flexible tank than the removed tank, which was stiff and felt semi-rigid by comparison. Basic empty weight started at 2840 pounds for the original. More refinements followed: increases in cabin size, further increases in gross weight, various increases in auxiliary tank size and the availability of three-bladed props. Also, new threadless blade propellers were standard; each is six pounds lighter than the previous prop, for a total of 12 pounds per aircraft. When vents are blocked its not unusual for the floor of the bladder to be pulled up. The tanks are generally filled after each flight. All overhauled or repaired helicopter floatation devices are returned to service with a current 8130 and a six-month warranty. Through its 28-year production span, the 310 evolved from a five-seater with pressure-carbureted engines to a high- flying turbocharged six-placer with known-icing certification. If I ever get the STC to run AGE85 (88% ethanol) that part of the equation is taken care of. He ran the mains dry. When it happens, this is a relatively simple fix but requires some attention during pre-flight inspections. PROVEN IN THE JUNGLES OF PNG. Maximum boost for a sea-level takeoff is a moderate 32 inches. The 310 was Cessnas first modern business twin, reflecting the companys strong growth in the 1950s. Naturally, the turbocharged 310s are the quickest, showing 198 knots at 10,000 feet (on 74 percent and 31 gph) and 220 knots at 20,000 feet with the same settings. Hence the following fascinating tidbit: a 1981 Beech A36 Bonanza, average price new $160,000, now goes for about $200,000. While these prices are only listed ones and can be negotiated down, there are also aircraft that exceed the bracket considerably, but not without good reason. Each of the latter can accommodate two sets of golf clubs. RAP is an FAA Certified Repair Station (CRS no. The airplane can cover roughly 500 NM in still air with max payload. It exceeds 3000 pounds by the 310C, nears 3200 in the 310P and exceeds 3600 in the 310R (turbo models are heavier still). In 1964, the engine exhaust was changed to flow under the wing . Answer: It is considered one of the best in the twin-engine general aviation category due to its good handling and performance. This speedsters reputation is well-deserved, and it is likely to linger for many more years as older, low-hour Cessna 310s are finding their way back to the skies after restoration projects. The time between overhaul for the Continental OI-520 engines fitted on the Cessna 310R is of 1400 hours. Check with your mechanic to see if he or she is willing to supervise as you take on the through-the-hole job of bladder R&R. Call (219) 749-2520. The popular 400 series followed in 1965 with the ill-fated 411. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Parts. Depending on the option fitted, this could expand the aircrafts capacity from 102 gallons up to 207 in total. Empty weight is of 2850 lbs, while gross weight sits at 4600 lbs. Send questions and comments to . Because the gear makes the airplane sit up high, new pilots are cautioned to be careful of hard landings. Beyond the broader clubs, a popular option among Model 310 owners is The Twin Cessna Flyers. The aircraft tends to drop a wing quickly; an undesirable trait made even more so due to the tendency in most twins to roll hard into the dead engine in case of failure at low speeds. Although the engine-compartment systems of the various 310s are fairly straightforward, the same cannot be said for the fuel system. FFC constructions meet the Technical Standard TSO-C80 . The reputation for Dutch roll and yaw problems is, in my opinion, undeserved. Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. After draining all the fuel from the right tank I started preparing the bladder for removal. The Cessna 310 is an American four-to-six-seat, low-wing, twin-engine monoplane produced by Cessna between 1954 and 1980. . Call us at 1-800 . [CDATA[ Prior to putting down my money on 7LJ, I contacted the FAA Registry office and asked for copies of the aircraft registration and aircraft maintenance records. These pumps are wired to the landing light circuit breaker, so if the landing light shorts the mains can unport. The pilot can read the tanks not being used by toggling a switch. I was pleased to observe about 8 to 10 knots increased speed at comparable power settings, a greater rate of climb, and stabilized oil consumption of about 1 quart per 20 hours. Theres a STOL kit available from Sierra Industries, but the cost is so high that its value is questionable. Int. Answer: Today, a Cessna 310 typically costs anywhere between $30000 and $150000 depending on the aircrafts age, state, and fit. The speed vane housing the Hobbs meter on the bottom of the right wing is a small tab that is compressed by airflow, but due to its diminutive size and sleek profile, and many owners have accidentally snagged it into inoperability. During its early years, the Model 310 was sold for $59400. Experienced 310 pilots say that minimizing aileron inputs is the only way to prevent the 310 from rocking around the pattern like a rowboat in high seas. Cessna introduced their canted Stabila-Tip tanks, said to be more aerodynamically efficient than the old tanks. Fuel Cells / Bladders; S/N 18253599 & Up; S/N 18253599 & Up. In the pattern, landing flaps deployment leads to a noticeable pitch-up moment, but this can be offset by commanding gear extension at the same time as the pitch changes will cancel themselves out. The 1960 Model 310D had a useful load of 1750 lbs, compared to the 2153 lbs achievable in the 1978 Cessna 310R. These devices help by making the airflow more turbulent at high angles of attack, which in turn makes it stick better to the lift and control surfaces. Cleveland offers brake sets that can be retrofitted in lieu of the original Goodyear ones, which are more expensive to maintain on the long run. The RAM engines have settled in and have about 200 hours on them. This can be managed by either stabilizing the aircraft with rudder inputs or temporarily switching to the main (wingtip) tanks. Due to a spate of less-than-stellar logbook maintenance records that referred to the shop work order numbers in lieu of actually describing the work done, I wasnt able to accurately determine the age or type of the installed bladders. ModsAs with all twins for which they are available, we highly recommend the installation of vortex generators. The IO-470s used on earlier airplanes are much less likely to develop cracks. RAP provides a fast response time with very extensive aircraft fuel cell repair capabilities. The 310 offers more payload and cabin room than its competitors, and is more stable in turbulence, but at the cost of a heavier control feel than a baron. One of Cessna's great triumphs through the decades has been the success in making transitions up through the line relatively painless for pilots. Initially, the two major civilian twin-engine general aviation offers on the market were the Beechcraft Twin Bonanza and the Piper Apache. Finally, theres the 310s somewhat unusual fuel system, though pilots report that its no big deal. COST EFFECTIVE - UTILIZE THE AIRCRAFT OF OPPORTUNITY as Cessna 206 - Cessna 208 - DHC-2 Beaver- DHC-6 Twin Otter - P-750 - CASA 212 - Short 330 etc. A fuel flow gauge, fuel quantity gauge, and a fuel low level warning light are located in the cockpit. As for advice, I strongly recommend membership in the Twin Cessna Flyer organization. My advice to 310 buyers: Treat the acquisition process seriously. The nose was extended a little starting with the 310K, which helps spread the load. Production ran from 1954 to 1980, with a total of 5449 Model 310 units produced, plus 577 of the Cessna 320. Single-engine service ceiling went up with the turbo models, to 17,200 feet in the T310R; a 310B could hold 7,700 feet on one engine. Featured Refinements: Cessna 310 - Remove Filter; Featured Refinements. The three biggest light aircraft fuel bladder companies today are Aero-Tech Services in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., Eagle Fuel Cells in Eagle River, Wis., and Floats & Fuel Cells (FFC) in Memphis, Tenn. Eagle Fuel Cells and Floats & Fuel Cells are CFA supporters. The attitude that its just another airplane can cost the buyer dearly. A 1981 Piper Aztec (250 HP engines) about $157,000. Also With This ArticleClick here to view the Cessna 310 features guide.Click here to view charts for Resale Values, Payload Compared and Prices Compared. After checking for the type of bladder in my airplane, I knew it wasnt a candidate for repair, but repair can be an affordable option for some leaking bladders. Long, strong arms are required. Re: Cessna Fuel Bladder replacement, 180/182. Speed has always been a strong 310 selling point, for good reason. Where some versions of the TSIO-520 have been pushed to 325 hp, the 310's engines are practically loafing at 285 hp. All rights reserved. When the main reaches capacity from the return fuel, any excess is sent overboard, and you can't cross-feed auxiliary fuel. First and foremost is the gear, which is relatively delicate and sensitive to proper rigging and maintenance. Removal and replacement labor usually runs between 10 and 12 hours. They are truly dedicated to spreading information vital to the preservation of the fleet. Used Goodies!We have a nice supply ofthese systems and parts: Engine accessories of all types are in stock, along with many other rotables. Cessna 210. Handling on the Cessna 310 is in line with expectations for most Cessna aircraft pleasant, predictable handling, with certain aspects scaled up in line with the series larger dimensions compared to the Model 152 or 172 many learned to fly on. This not only renders the airplane officially unairworthy, its dangerous. These vents have top etched into the valve body. At maximum gross weight, earlier variants could still climb at 415 fpm. We are a collective group of airline instructors, and pilots dedicated to all things aviation. I acquired a 1975 Cessna turbo 310 R model in 1991, and have never regretted it. Pilots coming from other light twins will recognize the 310's as a large step up; it feels like a much larger, more substantial airplane than, say, an Apache or Travel Air. The auxiliary tanks, in turn, are fuel bladders placed between the wing spars and the outboard part. Cessna entered the light-twin market a clear overdog in late 1954. Early models had Goodyears, which caused some problems. The gap for the turbo models is similar. As with most companies products, sourcing spare parts for the Cessna 310 is a relatively painless affair. Also high up on the list was the fuel system; not for any particular design issue, but simply because theres a lot of plumbing involved. All of the major bladder repair companies offer a test and advise option that clarifies the repair/new decision. The most recent type-specific AD, 90-02-13, covers the main landing gear barrel inner bearings. the amount of weight you can put in the cabin; it has nothing to do with total load. Collapsed fuel bladders have caused many incidents and a few accidents due to restricted fuel flow or to fuel exhaustion because a partially collapsed tank appears from the filler opening and on the gauge to be full of fuel, but in reality contains much less. I knew it as soon as I saw the telltale stripes of blue dye on the metal fairing covering the gap between the bottom of the right wing and the fuselage. Unique angled tie downs secure bladder tanks for airplanes to fwd 9G plus force safely. Fuel Burn at 75% power in standard conditions per hour. Pitch response is heaviest, roll the lightest, with generally good stick force per G and longitudinal stability. A proper check during the pre-buy is sufficient for prospective buyers to avoid surprises, while current owners should keep close attention during inspections and do preventive work whenever issues are found. Experienced owners report that its easily damped with proper technique, however. We stock parts for all Cessna Multi-engine airplanes: Copyright 2023 Preferred Airparts. Over the years, Jamie has gained an incredible amount of knowledge and hopes to start his PPL as soon as his degree is finished. This is the perfect time to make up a fuel tank quantity dipstick (I know I sound like a dipstick salesman, but they work and they are a simple safety tool) and to make sure you know exactly how much fuel your new bladder holds. The effects on performance are noticeable: the aircrafts power ratio rose to 7.71 lb/hp, with a cruising speed of 260 knots at 18500 ft, and a rate of climb of 3000 fpm (feet per minute). Commercial Beechcraft Bonanza Bell 222 Cessna Skymaster Eurocopter HH 65 King Air Lear-35 Beechjet 400 Cessna 182 Cessna-152 Gulfstream G150 Lear 60 MD 500 Robinson R44 Bell 206 Cessna 310 Aircraft DHC-6 Gulfstream-G200 Lear 75 Piper M600 Military F-18 Hornet T-38 Sea-Hawk F-18 Super Hornet Breaking with its practice of tacking on a different letter each year, Cessna stuck with the 310Q and T-310Q for five years. A leaking fuel bladder. C90A, C90GT, E90 RH Fuel Cell PN 100-381002-2 UniRoyal, Beechcraft King Air C90, C90A, C90GT, E90 RH Fuel Cell PN 100-381002-2. Cessna part 1200065-5 Fuel Cell. Maintenance concerns and the inexorable march of time these first 310s are 40 years old now, after all can make the purchase of the 1950s and 1960s models chancy. McCloskey said that some installers tape a pad onto the end of a broomstick or dowel and use it to push the bladder into position in the corners of the tank bay. . Eagle's fuel bladders are designed not to wrinkle, and they move the port back to its original location. Early 310s could manage 415 feet per minute on one engine at maximum gross weight (4,700 pounds in the 310B). Cabin size was increased, along with gross weight. Plenty of Model 310 units in the market have undergone a much-needed avionics rework over the years, but it is still possible to run into original spec aircraft, which means a somewhat steep price to bring them to modern standards. This has kept prices down over time. What started as a five-place twin became a six-placer with 1963s 310H. The aircraft is certified in the normal category, which means intentional spins and aerobatics are not permitted. However, Ive never seen this done nor was I able to find any information about the repair kits and adhesives referred to in the manuals. In 1954, Cessnas entire model line consisted of the 170, 180 and 195; so, the 310 represented a giant leap forward for the company. This means that using fuel from either the auxiliary tank on the same side, or the main tank on the opposite side, about half the fuel flow will be moving to the same-side main. These consisted of damage to mounts, supporting structures, actuators, and doors, several of which led to partial or full landing gear failure. And the 310 needed help in this department, what with 300 pounds of avgas way out there on the wing. The airplane is powered by two horizontally opposed, six cylinder, direct drive, normally aspirated, air cooled, fuel injected engines. This should be a mandatory investment for all R owners. The Cessna 310 went through gradual changes in performance throughout its evolutions, but the difference between the early and later versions is stark in terms of payload. Prior to installing the new tank I spent quite a bit of time cleaning the bay to remove any fuel stains and dirt. This has caused accidents. The cockpit features an elevator trim indication with a mark noting the take-off setting, and for a good reason. It has a maximum take-off weight of 2,087 kg. Click here to view the Cessna 310 features guide, Click here to view charts for Resale Values, Payload Compared and Prices Compared, Composite Structures: Limits and Advantages. This makes hard landings a real possibility, and the gear just cant take that much abuse. Another significant change came with the 1964 I model: The overwing augmenter tubes gave way to conventional exhaust plumbing. In line with many 1950s Cessna products, the cockpits were not originally arranged in the now-classic basic-T configuration, which can be ergonomically challenging for pilots used to it. The optional wing locker fuel tanks are located in the forward portion of each wing locker baggage area. Depending on the option fitted, this could expand the aircraft's capacity from 102 gallons up to 207 in total. Flying an aircraft with a weakened bladder negates this safety feature. It is a bigger jump from the complex single into the 310 than it is for, say, a pilot moving from a Bonanza to a Baron. The spoilers can be deployed at any speed, and the POH permits using 15 degrees of flaps below 160 knots. The 310s system on airplanes with all the optional tanks is certainly more complicated than most, and it does have a number of idiosyncrasies not shared by other airplanes. Two major downsides of the Beechcraft offering were the narrow cabin, a holdover from the much smaller Beech 36 Bonanza, and the considerably higher price: in 1980, the base price for the Cessna 310R was $200000, compared to $300000 for a standard-fit Baron. Anything between that and maximum ramp weight has to be fuel. 1976 Cessna 182P in very good condition located in Southern California presently at KAJO Corona, CA Airport. Other miscellaneous problems: magnesium seat back brackets that fail (this has resulted in some accidents), and periodic inspection requirements on the 100-amp Prestolite alternators on 310s with deice equipment. Early production models up to 1964 are known to have a noisier cabin than other units. The pilot must remember to fly about 1 hour of fuel out of the mains before switching to aux. Cessna 310 / Model Prices During its early years, the Model 310 was sold for $59400. For the budget-minded, an early 310 can be a (relatively) inexpensive entry to the world of twin engines. This can be avoided by minimizing aileron inputs and balancing the aircraft with rudder. The first engines fitted were a pair of Continental O-470-B carbureted engines outputting 240 hp each. VMC and stall speeds are very close, and the low speed handling characteristics are very benign as a result. Fuel flows at the rate of eight gallons per hour. What started as a five-place twin became a six-placer with 1963's 310H. Answer: The nominal range for an early Cessna 310 is 870 nautical miles, but this can be significantly expanded with additional fuel tank options. Many were retrofitted with the later, and better, Clevelands. Yes, we're talking tuna tanks, those slightly clunky vessels at the ends of the wings, slated to hold 50 gallons of fuel each. The twin-engine aircraft was fitted with engine exhaust thrust augmenter tubes, and on top of using its now-characteristic tip tanks, the early models stored all fuel in them. (Before my time at the club) Aircraft has been hangered the entire time. Whether the difference is worth it depends on the desired operational profile, which stands true today where the difference in used prices has kept the same proportions.
