cessna 310 fuel bladders

by on April 8, 2023

Ive also followed the advice of many to keep the gear properly rigged and lubricated. With the right operator profile, its ability to fly long distances while making good times in the process offset the relatively high ownership costs and given that acquisition is a lot more friendly than just about any twin-engine competitor with similar performance, the Cessna 310 has a share of the market resembling its hegemony in the business niche back in 1954. 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. A 1981 Piper Aztec (250 HP engines) about $157,000. Figuring a maximum ramp weight of 5534 pounds, 519 pounds of fuel can be put in the main tanks. note: Mr. Temple sent us one of these packets. It can be a way to cut back on labor costs if an owner/pilot is comfortable in their technical abilities and savvy about working on one of the most important systems on their Cessna. Hence the following fascinating tidbit: a 1981 Beech A36 Bonanza, average price new $160,000, now goes for about $200,000. Make. The flap and engine exhaust configuration makes corrosion a problem which must be monitored continuously and treated when necessary. All overhauled or repaired helicopter floatation devices are returned to service with a current 8130 and a six-month warranty. But the right one was leaking and it did have to be changed. Its not unusual for the actual fuel capacity of a bladder and the capacity written in the owners manual or the aircraft flight manual (AFM) to differ. The 1960 Model 310D had a useful load of 1750 lbs, compared to the 2153 lbs achievable in the 1978 Cessna 310R. 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. Int. (Such nicknames come from the tank's fish-like profile.) Membership gets you a newsletter and the right to attend well-worthwhile seminars on operations. Payload with full fuel varies depending upon the model, equipment and fuel tank arrangement. The Hints page of the Eagle Fuel Cells website suggests loosening all clamps and waiting to let the rubber relax. Dont fly again until the blockage is opened. For comparison purposes, a 1981 Beech Baron 58 (same horsepower) fetches about $270,000. Where some versions of the TSIO-520 have been pushed to 325 hp, the 310's engines are practically loafing at 285 hp. In 1969, Cessna consolidated its model line, offering a turbocharged variant of the 310 alongside the normally aspirated 310P instead of the 320. The wing locker fuel tanks now have tear-resistant bladders and a new metal containment canister. Second, is the locker-tank scheme. Unlike many airplanes with long production runs, the 310 went through steady refinement over the years, with a slew of designation letters following the model number. We took the plane to a shop in the area with a good reputation for Cessna service. System Emergency Procedures. 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. A new bladder should provide good service for at least 20 years and much longer if you take steps to keep the top surface of the bladder cool. The 310 was built through the 1957 model year. 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. Smooth landings are the rule instead of the exception. The caveat is that this figure came about after extensive work to restore the aircraft after some years of abandon prior to Cawleys ownership. Fuel Burn at 75% power in standard conditions per hour. Many early 310s suffer substantial corrosion at the aft spar and wing skins, and such trouble unnoticed during the prepurchase inspection can leave the new 310 owner feeling a bit blue. If you are already a member, please log in. Eagle's fuel bladders are designed not to wrinkle, and they move the port back to its original location. Flap deployment speeds were gradually raised, starting at 140 knots until the Model 310K increased it to 155, while the 310R could drop them at 160 knots. Long Range. The weight of the fuel concentrated on the tip tanks adds a significant roll tendency, which can be exacerbated into pilot-induced oscillations if one does not take it easy on the ailerons. After removing the screws holding the filler neck plate in place and setting it aside, I worked through the access hole to remove the fuel tank air vent valve. That's actually a bit amazing, considering the overall age of the fleet and the complexity of the machines. Empty weight is of 2850 lbs, while gross weight sits at 4600 lbs. Copyright 2023 Aviator Insider | A Topsail Media Company | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Early models can go four hours. Reliance AeroProducts International is a FAA Certified Repair Station and provider of fuel cell repairs and re-certifications. I elected to have this done at RAM in Waco, Texas, because of their reputation, which is deserved. 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. In 1954, Cessnas entire model line consisted of the 170, 180 and 195; so, the 310 represented a giant leap forward for the company. Costs have been going up, but that speaks more of trends in general aviation economics. Cessna got up to the 310R (with a few gaps) before ending production in 1981. The pilot can read the tanks not being used by toggling a switch. For some reason, Cessna decided to designate the tip tanks as the mains, and the wing tanks as the auxiliaries. This can be avoided by minimizing aileron inputs and balancing the aircraft with rudder. In the event of a fuel pump or engine failure, the aux tank on that side becomes uselessno crossfeed from the aux tanks, and no transfer is possible. Hartzell three-blade propellers are installed in a counter-rotating configuration to cancel out the torque, improve single-engine safety, and allow for the best performance out of the engines. An optional large baggage door was introduced on the 310P. Before choosing the option to send out for repair or install new, the leaking bladder must be inspected to determine the best course of action. 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. The original tubes were designed to bring cool air through the cowling to improve cooling at high power settings, but the engine exhaust gases brought about corrosion on the rear wing spars over time. In 1959, shortly after the types introduction to the market in 1954, Cessna began offering the Model 310C equipped with the uprated IO-470-D engines, featuring fuel injection and with an output of 260 hp. horsepower increased and so did demands for fuel. Steve Ells has been an A&P/IA for 39 years and is a commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings. Beyond the initial production models, fuel was distributed between the two main tip tanks, two optional auxiliary ones, and another optional pair in the wing lockers. It is easy to load the airplane, and roughly the same luggage and people which will fit in a full size Chrysler Minivan will fit in the 310, although fuel must be sacrificed to avoid departing over gross. The debate has gone on for many years. Many were retrofitted with the later, and better, Clevelands. - We've parted out over 350 Cessna twins, from 303 thru 441. Early production models up to 1964 are known to have a noisier cabin than other units. (Before my time at the club) Aircraft has been hangered the entire time. LH Main Tank. We service fuel cells for aircraft including, but not limited to Lear Jet, Gulfstream, Cessna, Citation, Falcon Jet, Astra, BeechJet, Westwind, Hawker, Bombardier, Challenger, Boeing and countless others. If an owner came to me asking me to help him repair a bladder tank or approve a field repair of a bladder tank Id say no because I dont believe the parts are available nor is the data sufficient to ensure a safe field repair. The chart on the right contains construction specific details exhibited from past and present manufacturers. As with most companies products, sourcing spare parts for the Cessna 310 is a relatively painless affair. The first 310s, built in 1954, were sold as 1955 models. For more than five decades, active and dedicated aircraft owners and pilots have turned to AVIATION CONSUMER to answer their most important buying questions. An Aztec is a fine plane, but it is slower and the Aztec, Seneca, and Baron all have smaller, less comfortable interiors for people such as myself-I am 62, and probably need to read a good diet book instead of the aviation magazines I prefer. Owners groupOwners of twin Cessnas have their own support organization in the form of The Twin Cessna Flyer, headed by Larry Ball. Come join us! Payload in a lightly equipped 310C with auxiliary tanks might exceed 700 pounds, while it could be as low as 400 pounds in a 310R. LH Main Tank. Along with that, weight and balance has to be watched more closely. Radio navigation initially included LORAN gear, but the networks demise with the emergence of satellite navigation systems has made it little more than ballast for most pilots. Cessna 182. 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. One of Cessna's great triumphs through the decades has been the success in making transitions up through the line relatively painless for pilots. I have never noticed any real difference in flight characteristics regardless of loads, other than the to-be-expected slower rate of climb at gross vs. at light weights. When you smell fuel outside the airplane for an hour or two after topping off the fuel but not when the fuel level is down, the most likely cause is age-related deterioration of the top of your bladder. We stock parts for all Cessna Multi-engine airplanes: Copyright 2023 Preferred Airparts. An additional cabin window was introduced with the Model 310F. My advice to 310 buyers: Treat the acquisition process seriously. Much of it consists of Cessna Dealer Sales Manual material originally penned by him, with some additional supporting articles. The Cessna 310 is one of the classics of general aviation, enjoying a 27-year production run during which it served as Cessnas answer to the Beech Baron, Piper Aztec, Commander 500, and Aerostar. } Please select all the ways you would like to hear from AVIATION GROUP LTD: You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. The spoilers can be deployed at any speed, and the POH permits using 15 degrees of flaps below 160 knots. Ells is the owner of Ells Aviation and lives in Paso Robles, Calif. with his wife Audrey. 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). Cessna service manuals refer to BTC-39 cells by Goodyear and US-907, US-943 and US-932 bladders by U.S. Rubber. During its early years, the Model 310 was sold for $59400. In the meantime, Jamie passes all of his knowledge about flying, planes, and flight simulators on to the readers at Aviator Insider. This has kept prices down over time. We are a collective group of airline instructors, and pilots dedicated to all things aviation. Pitch response is heavier, with light roll controls and good longitudinal stability. Newer model 310s benefited from a one-year warranty on the airframe, the avionics, and the engine. RAP provides a fast response time with very extensive aircraft fuel cell repair capabilities. When cruising around 170 KTAS, it is possible to attain a fuel burn of 25 gph, which works out to around four hours in the air plus reserves. setTimeout(function(){document.getElementById("CountryId").dispatchEvent(new Event("change"));},50); 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. For conversions, a favorite among them were small transport, bomber, and liaison aircraft, as they filled a niche no private company had fully established themselves in since 1945: cross-country capable aircraft with good payload, speed, and IFR equipment. Then I used a mirror and flashlight to make sure I had freed all the clips holding the topand the bottomcorners of the tank in position before removing the bladder. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Parts. 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). Also available are engine and prop upgrades from Colemill Enterprises for the 310F through Q, which carry with them gross weight increases. The gear has a number of critical components that must be attended to and properly rigged during annual inspections. If replacing the gaskets on the filler plate and quantity transmitter dont solve the problem, its bladder time. Paul pointed out a major advantage of Eagle's STC'd fuel drains/test ports. These tanks are bladder-type cells which supplement the main tank fuel quantity. It is fairly long and spindly, and more delicate than that of some other airplanes. Maladies include broken or cracked mounts, support structures, actuator rods, door hinges and actuators, shock struts, and bellcranks. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Windows were added and lengthened through the 310's gestation as well. These vents have top etched into the valve body. However, this connection returns fuel only to the main tank on the same side as the engine. Used Goodies!We have a nice supply ofthese systems and parts: Engine accessories of all types are in stock, along with many other rotables. I also had to remove the tank sump quick drain fittings and the fuel quantity transmitter and float. (We do not part out singles.). Beyond the broader clubs, a popular option among Model 310 owners is The Twin Cessna Flyers. All parts are stored in modern warehousing, to preserve their quality. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. 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. I think FFC in Memphis makes their's out of the same material and maybe some others. C-310s with lots of avionics and other options compound the loading exercise. Then I renewed the bay tape where necessary. It is true that 310s are not unduly prone to fuel mismanagement accidents, so despite the complexity of the system, pilots seem to have little trouble dealing with it. The fuel vent valve must be reinstalled with the hinge line up. The RAM engines have settled in and have about 200 hours on them. The competition for the Cessna 310 has changed from its introduction. The tip tanks are made from aluminum and contain two pumps, auxiliary and transfer. 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. Vortex generators will give you a much greater return for one-tenth the cost. Please login to continue enjoying members-only content. Another scenario goes like thisPilot: Top off the mains, please. The props are subject to a couple of ADs: these include the infamous McCauley prop inspection AD (95-24-05) and 94-17-3, repetitive inspection of the prop hub grease fittings. When the Cessna 310 was first introduced in 1954, the aviation industry was immersed in the aftermath of two major wars. Obstruction or Icing of Static Source. It exceeds 3000 pounds by the 310C, nears 3200 in the 310P and exceeds 3600 in the 310R (turbo models are heavier still). MaintenanceA scan of Service Difficulty Reports shows, not surprisingly, that the majority of squawks arise from the landing gear. 1976 Cessna 182P in very good condition located in Southern California presently at KAJO Corona, CA Airport. Cabin size was increased, along with gross weight. All of the providers include installation kits. Breaking with its practice of tacking on a different letter each year, Cessna stuck with the 310Q and T-310Q for five years. [CDATA[ Pitch response is heaviest, roll the lightest, with generally good stick force per G and longitudinal stability. More weight in later models about makes up for the extra power: A 260-hp-a-side Q model turns in 186 knots (71 percent at 7,500 feet, on 26.5 gph) and climbs at 1,495 fpm; not bad considering the Q's 600-pound higher maximum gross weight. The 310 is an all metal, four/six-place, low wing, twin engine airplane and is equipped with retractable tricycle landing gear. Unique angled tie downs secure bladder tanks for airplanes to fwd 9G plus force safely. The Cessna 310 saw plenty of experimentation in its design. Surprisingly, very few people know what zero-fuel weight is. Those big tip tanks were originally designed as a safety feature. The popular 400 series followed in 1965 with the ill-fated 411. Cessna SKYMASTER 336 1964; Cessna SKYMASTER 337H; Cessna 310K; Cessna 337 Skymaster; Cessna 150 1968; Cessna 150 1969; Cessna 150 1974; Flying an aircraft with a weakened bladder negates this safety feature. Over the years, Jamie has gained an incredible amount of knowledge and hopes to start his PPL as soon as his degree is finished. A choice of IO-520 or Voyager IO-550s is offered. Another significant change came with the 1964 I model: The overwing augmenter tubes gave way to conventional exhaust plumbing. 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. All Filters; 1974 Cessna 310Q Twin Engine Aircraft 5970TT Fresh Annual With Sale. Theres no separate gauge for each tank, though the gauge does switch automatically to read the tank being used (but not the wing locker tanks, which have no fuel level senders). Vacuum Pump Failure. Thats not the only tricky thing about the 310s fuel system. Overall, a good package of background information.]. During repair new nipples are installed and repaired tanks are guaranteed for two years. Then the rubber of each nipple can be softened by wrapping it in a towel or rag thats been dipped in hot water. the amount of weight you can put in the cabin; it has nothing to do with total load. Last year my factory gold medallion remans were about 50 hours past TBO when the latest McCauley prop AD for this model left me with no realistic choice but to replace both props. I recalled from my days as a tech rep that the most common failure of a light airplane fuel bladder is age-related deterioration of the top surface due to long-term exposure to heat. The normally aspirated models are happiest in the low teens, while the turbos have service ceilings in the mid-20s. document.getElementsByClassName("mobile")[0].getElementsByTagName("a")[0].href = "tel:330-698-0280"; Experienced and diligent first time installers must strive to achieve a tank installation where the tank bay is clean and prepped to provide an abrasion-free home for the bladder; where steps are taken to insure that any wrinkles in the bladders bottom surface are minimized and where the nipples arent pulled out of position or stretched during installation. Wait until you have to manage the tanks. ATSs Danielle Murphy told us that they try to apply some sort of discount on every sale.

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