Fed Ex Pilot wants to buy twin engine cessna but I have lost his phone number. He has a double first name like Billy Bob or Joe Bob and saw the plane this winter in
Stuart, Fl. at Witham Field. Please have him email
[email protected]

Well, with that name it is pretty safe to say he lives in Memphis.

FedEx pilot buyer:
I am not a fan of Cessna’s 300 and 400 series aircraft. The spar issue with a required spar strap is only going to get worse and Cessna is right in there with the FAA on the aging aircraft issues. Their exhaust system is problematic. Unlike Piper and Beech who attached and mounted their exhaust system to the engine, Cessna attaches it to the engine but mounts it to the airframe and hides the rear portion of it. Go to NTSB web site and see the fatal accidents due to poorly maintained exhaust systems on twin Cessna’s. Cessna also shortchanged their 300/400 series on skin thickness (standard joke years ago was how thick is the skin on a twin Cessna tail? Answer: Oh too thin). And Cessna never zinc cromated their aircraft unless you specified it as an option and most did not years ago. A 300/400 series Cessna is maggot for spending money and with the price of fuel, you will have a tough time selling it. Wet wing 400 series were much better aircraft but you are going to pay big bucks for these aircraft built in the 80’s.

Balance this with Piper Aircraft in Lock Haven, Penna. where every Aztec, Twin Comanche and Navajo came factory standard with full zinc chromate on the airframe. In the period of 1955 to 1985, Piper produced and delivered more twin engine aircraft than Cessna Aircraft did during the same period. Piper had a better product.

My suggestion: Get a good Model 33; 35; or 36 Bonanza. When it comes to resale value, they have a cult following that will pay good money for a pristine example. Remember that a good prebuy by a qualified impartial shop is very important.