cessna 310 fuel bladders cessna 310 fuel bladders

A fuel flow gauge, fuel quantity gauge, and a fuel low level warning light are located in the cockpit. This position is set for what Cessna believed to be the most common weight settings for normal operations, and thus most take-offs will be made with trim set slightly ahead or behind it but never too far from it. The fuel vent valve must be reinstalled with the hinge line up. The airplane can also be a handful to fly, though pilots note that with proper training and due diligence, it can make a good IFR platform. Turbocharged 310s can do 225 at max cruise. Out of 225 SDRs (for about 150 different airplanes), we counted more than 40 regarding the gear alone. I bought the airplane for $48000 and if I can believe my insurance agent, it would sell today for around $70000. Figuring a maximum ramp weight of 5534 pounds, 519 pounds of fuel can be put in the main tanks. Landing gearThe other 310 system that gets a lot of attention is the landing gear. Anything between that and maximum ramp weight has to be fuel. The wingtip fuel tanks on the original Cessna 310 carried a total of 100 gallons of fuel. Call us today at 1-817-453-8829 for Fuel Bladder Repair! Breaking with its practice of tacking on a different letter each year, Cessna stuck with the 310Q and T-310Q for five years. 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. For pilots who do not meet this experience threshold, the number goes up from $4980 to $7400. The one problem is that Cessna advertises the 310 as a six-place airplane. Vortex generators will give you a much greater return for one-tenth the cost. This opened a niche for the Cessna 310 as an ideal ride for a cross-country lover on a tight acquisition budget. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Ironically, the aircrafts success in the business niche was rather short: around a decade after its introduction, the shadow of the jet age came after the Cessna 310 in its own home, in the shape of the iconic Learjet and Cessnas own Citation series. Turbo models in particular have failure-prone exhaust systems, and are subject to a 50-hour visual inspection AD, 75-23-8. 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). Long Range. Still, it can be said that the type is one of the most affordable twin-engine aircraft in the market as far as entry costs go. The tip tanks are made from aluminum and contain two pumps, auxiliary and transfer. LH MAIN EXTENDED RANGE . 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. [CDATA[ Surprisingly, very few people know what zero-fuel weight is. All those tanks can carry a great deal of fuel, making for six-hour endurance in later models. . Turbo single-engine performance is even more impressive: from 390 to 440 FPM-thats up in turboprop territory, and very impressive for a piston twin. The competition for the Cessna 310 has changed from its introduction. These tanks are bladder-type cells which supplement the main tank fuel quantity. 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. This is primarily because of the exhaust thrust augmenter tubes positioning. tanks because the engine driven fuel pumps feed more fuel to the engines than they can use except at the highest power settings. If time is critical, providers offer repaired bladders on an exchange basis. I also had to remove the tank sump quick drain fittings and the fuel quantity transmitter and float. Send questions and comments to . He ran the mains dry. The Barons cabin seating and additional door is a plus that I wish the 310 could match, but six passengers can ride in my 310 much more comfortably than in a Baron or a Seneca with club seating. Control Surfaces!Fresh repaired, exchange, no patches. I have avoided the two big 310 bugaboos: gear problems and exhaust-related corrosion. An additional cabin window was introduced with the Model 310F. The latest is a 1976 T-310, purchased new. In fact, one of the prototypes was landed gear-up, and the tip tanks separated just as they were designed to do, with no post-crash fire. Short-field performance is quite good on paper. I think it would sure be worth putting those drains in while I'm changing the bladder. The pilot then takes off without checking, and with the fuel selectors on the main (tip) tanks as required in the POH. The Cessna 310 grew up quickly. Calculating climb to cruise altitude of 12000 feet, this allows just under three hours of flight plus reserve at 65% power. System Emergency Procedures. Classified Ad with Best Offer. It applies to the 310, 340 and all piston-powered 400 series Cessnas except those with trailing link main gear. By the 310I, cubic feet available certainly began to exceed the lifting and weight-and-balance capacity of the airplane. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Made o Cessna SKYMASTER 336 1964; Cessna SKYMASTER 337H; Cessna 310K; Cessna 337 Skymaster; Cessna 150 1968; Cessna 150 1969; Cessna 150 1974; Removing and replacing a bladder is not a difficult process. Over the years, Jamie has gained an incredible amount of knowledge and hopes to start his PPL as soon as his degree is finished. tens of thousands for twins. 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. This lesson ought to be clear: Carefully and thoroughly inspect the gear system on any 310 considered for purchase. the new twin were backed up by innovative features such as engine exhaust thrust augmenter tubes and the storage of all fuel in tip tanks in early models. 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. 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. I fly the aircraft about 100 hours per year and total hourly expenses have been $178. As the maximum weights increased, the single-engine climb rate decreased; the T310R, at its 5,500-pound maximum, is supposed to ascend at 390 fpm at sea level with one feathered. Early 310s could manage 415 feet per minute on one engine at maximum gross weight (4,700 pounds in the 310B). The two largest clubs that cater for just about all Cessna models are the Cessna Owner Association and the Cessna Flyer Association. The T-310P had 285 HP Continental TSIO-520-B engines, standard three-bladed props and a 5400-pound gross weight, compared to the 310Ps 260-HP IO-470V Continentals, optional three-bladed props and 5200-pound gross. Early models had Goodyears, which caused some problems. the amount of weight you can put in the cabin; it has nothing to do with total load. All Listings filter applied; Delivery Options. The main purpose-built competitors at the time were the 1953 Piper PA-23 Apache, which was chronically underpowered, and Beechcrafts Twin Bonanza, introduced in 1951 but relatively unsuccessful in the market outside of military applications, which led to it being pulled from the market shortly after. We used a Hartwick bladder, but the customer service was somewhat lacking. Fuel Capacity: 130 Gallons 50 Gallon Mains 15 Gallon Aux Tanks Weight and Balance: Max Allowable: 4830 lbs Basic Empty Weight: 3287 lbs Useful Load: 1543 lbs Empty Arm: 35.19 inches aft datum Empty Moment: 115674 inch lbs Engine Specs: Right: Continental IO470D Serial Number 75850-0-D 1089.7 SMOH Compressions at May 2007 Annual: 72/73/72/75/73 The cabin on the Cessna 310 traditionally seats four passengers plus one pilot, however starting with the Model 310G, a factory option for six passengers was added. McCloskey said that repair is a good option since even the most extensive repair is less than half the cost of buying a new tank. Cessna entered the light-twin market a clear overdog in late 1954. Due to its popularity and longevity, many modifications and upgrade kits were designed around the Cessna 310 family. In practical terms, the wingtip tanks cannot be used to their full volume: topping them up until the caps lead to fuel being vented out during take-off due to the pressure in the tanks. Whether these make it hard to deal with depends on your point of view. 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. If there's an aspect of the 310's handling qualities likely to catch a novice pilot out, it is single-engine procedures near the runway. Also the landing gear must be adjusted carefully and properly to insure smooth and dependable operation.The 310s fuel system has been unfairly criticized in the past. The pilot can read the tanks not being used by toggling a switch. On approach, some power has to be carried. Each engine is equipped with a mechanically driven fuel pump which provides fuel to the metering unit. Ells also loves utility and bush-style airplanes and operations. Obstruction or Icing of Static Source. This coupled with the natural rolling tendencies caused by the tip-mounted fuel tanks, can make for a busy few moments immediately following engine failure. All the T310s come with Garrett turbochargers and automatic wastegates and are conservatively boosted. The nose was extended a little starting with the 310K, which helps spread the load. In fact, the current owner of the third and final 310 used in the show (a 1967 D model), Songbird III, wrote to tell us that its being fully restored. A recurring minor squawk is minor oil leakage from the rocker covers; a problem that has lessened since replacing the cork gaskets with silicone. AOPA Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get MORE out of being a pilot -, 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Available with 102/143/166/184/207 gallon systems, Avg. Cessna 182. Average normally aspirated 310s run from $40000 for the earliest models up to $191000 for the newest 310R. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Goodyear Aerospace Corp Cessna 310 RH Fuel Cell Bladder PN 0823343-6 0823343-4 at the best online prices at eBay! Confused? } Cells are evaluated, repaired, and returned to service in accordance with US AIRFORCE TO-1-1-3 or NAVAIR 01-1A-35. Shortly after I purchased my 310, I put on vortex generators, which are a must with this airplane. 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. 1976 Cessna 182P in very good condition located in Southern California presently at KAJO Corona, CA Airport. Among the more noteworthy ones are the Riley Rocket 310 and Riley Turbostream 310, by aeronautical engineer Jack Riley. We're absolutely loaded! Anyone interested in the airplane or the show is invited to call Ed Lachendro at (414) 475-2544. The 1960 Model 310D had a useful load of 1750 lbs, compared to the 2153 lbs achievable in the 1978 Cessna 310R. A T310R, for example, has a zero fuel weight of 5015 pounds. 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. It is a challenge to grease the landings, but I make every effort to protect that long, spindly gear. The general Cessna group of choice is the Cessna Pilots Association (www.cessna.org, (805) 922-2580). Though the PA-23 would later be a direct competitor to the 310, the original Apache was far down the scale on power. My airplane is an honest six-seater with a useful load of 1600 pounds. 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 should be a mandatory investment for all R owners. The caveat is that this figure came about after extensive work to restore the aircraft after some years of abandon prior to Cawleys ownership. It is broadly accepted that the true competition to the Cessna 310 came in 1970 when Beechcraft introduced their new twin-engine six-seater in the shape of the Beech 58 Baron. 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. Windows were added and lengthened through the 310's gestation as well. RH MAIN STANDARD RANGE; Looking for an aircraft fuel tank repair, a helicopter fuel cell to buy, or have a rotorcraft fuel cell that needs repairing, or maybe you need to purchase a Cessna, Beech or Piper fuel bladder? 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. 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. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Parts. 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. Finally, the auxiliary tanks were enlarged once more, in 1973, to 63 gallons total. George, I just did a 182 this summer. The early models can deliver cruise speeds of 175 KTAS, and the later ones better than 190 if needed. 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. FFC constructions meet the Technical Standard TSO-C80 . Theoretically, its physically and materially possible to field repair a bladder given enough time, diligence and discipline. 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. The next significant change was in 1962, with the 310G. The airplane handles big and is a stable IFR platform. 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. 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. Fortunately, aside from the gear troubles noted earlier, there doesn't seem to be any one recurring trouble spot with the 310s. Local Pickup. 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. (We do not part out singles. The aircraft is rather nose heavy on the take-off roll if the trim is left on neutral and risks pitching up into a stall if set too far aft. Mistakes in purchasing a 310 can be huge. 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. And the 310 needed help in this department, what with 300 pounds of avgas way out there on the wing. Both bladders were replaced at the same time at the same shop. Approach speeds are relatively high. Drop the wheels and 15 degrees of flap, and the pitch changes will cancel each other out. Also, consider it a bonus if the airplane is fitted with retrofit Cleveland brakes; the original Goodyears are known to be somewhat troublesome and expensive to maintain. Call (219) 749-2520. The airplane is powered by two horizontally opposed, six cylinder, direct drive, normally aspirated, air cooled, fuel injected engines. The aux tanks feed directly to the engines, so the only pump that serves these tanks is the engine-driven one. The main tanks are integrally sealed aluminum tanks mounted on each wing tip and each contain an auxiliary fuel pump and transfer pump. The wing locker fuel tanks now have tear-resistant bladders and a new metal containment canister. Call us at 1-800-647-6148. The engines are Continental Model IO-520-Ms and are rated at 285 horsepower each. One simple tool that every Cessna owner should use before every flight is a fuel quantity dipstickits a surefire way to determine if the floor of the bladder is out of position and to determine the actual fuel level in bladder tanks. per 15 hours), the RAM Series I option got me two new props, two RAM converted TSIO 520 EB engines, new hoses, and a Shadin fuel totalizer at a price comparable to what many good shops quote for two reman engine replacements. Where some versions of the TSIO-520 have been pushed to 325 hp, the 310's engines are practically loafing at 285 hp. The locker tanks are placed in the wing baggage area at a capacity penalty. The 310 was Cessnas first modern business twin, reflecting the companys strong growth in the 1950s. Search more Cessna airplanes on Hangar67. I elected to have this done at RAM in Waco, Texas, because of their reputation, which is deserved. The chart on the right contains construction specific details exhibited from past and present manufacturers. Commit to excellent maintenance and pilot proficiency and youll enjoy one of general aviations great airplanes. The dawn of the jet age, fully realized during the Korean War, had signaled a major shift in the American militarys design requirements and procurement decisions. 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. . The aircraft was framed as a purpose-built tool for businessmen to grow and as a long-term alternative to the surplus conversions that had flooded the niche until then. For some reason, Cessna decided to designate the tip tanks as the mains, and the wing tanks as the auxiliaries. Hes a former tech rep and editor for Cessna Pilots Association and served as associate editor for AOPA Pilot until 2008. The bigger Continental came aboard in the 1975 model, the R. It's interesting to note that through the life of the 310, engine power was increased only 45 hp a side. Looking for an aircraft fuel tank repair, a helicopter fuel cell to buy, or have a rotorcraft fuel cell that needs repairing, or maybe you need to purchase a Cessna, Beech or Piper fuel bladder? This, of course, must be balanced against the extra hazard posed by single-engine operations when low and slow. If I ever get the STC to run AGE85 (88% ethanol) that part of the equation is taken care of. Cessna introduced their canted Stabila-Tip tanks, said to be more aerodynamically efficient than the old tanks. When fuel starvation shuts down an engine, the silence is mighty loud. 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. The single-engine ceiling, however, grew considerably in the turbocharged versions. 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. Most shops either stock or can order whatever you require to keep it running within short notice. Call us at 1-800 . A choice of IO-520 or Voyager IO-550s is offered. document.getElementsByClassName("phone")[0].getElementsByTagName("a")[0].href = "tel:800-433-0814"; Each of the latter can accommodate two sets of golf clubs. Cessna 310 pilots have instruments displaying fuel flow, quantity, and low-level light. Installation of the tank was pretty easy. General opinion of the IO-470 has always been good, and it seems the model has performed quite well in the 310. The aircrafts service ceiling remained the same: 20000 ft for standard models and 25000 ft for units fitted with turbocharged versions of the O-470 or O-520 engines. Dan Dan Thomas, Dec 29, 2013 #2 AggieMike88 Touchdown! setTimeout(function(){document.getElementById("CountryId").dispatchEvent(new Event("change"));},50); My advice to 310 buyers: Treat the acquisition process seriously. Delete cookies, By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. . Flaps were of the split type for aerodynamic efficiency (no external flap brackets), and the gear was of electromechanical design. As Cessna did to virtually all its models in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the 310 received a swept vertical fin in place of the upright tail used through the 1959 model. The Cessna 310's full-fuel payload varies depending upon the model, equipment and fuel tank arrangement. Then Cessna installed auxiliary tanks in the wings, good for an extra 40 total gallons. The 310 competed more directly against the Twin Commander 520 (discontinued that same year) and Beech Twin Bonanza, which was dropped a few years later in favor of the Travel Air and 55 Baron. If the pulled up section is near the wing root the float part of the fuel level sensor will also be pulled up, and the fuel gauge readings will be wrong. After the bladder is in and is deemed ready, I like to fill the tank in five-gallon stepswith the airplane on level ground and the landing gear struts and tires at normal inflationfor two reasons. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. An AOPA analysis of 225 service difficulty reports (SDRs) from a sample of 150 units from different Model 310 families showed that 40 of these were related to the landing gear. Designed for aisle fit in cabin class aircraft, bottom outlet will work with cabin pressure without transfer pump in most installations. The first 310s, built in 1954, were sold as 1955 models. (We do not part out singles.). This involved replacing the Continental IO-470 engines with the turbocharged intercooled Lycoming TIO-540, with an output of 350 hp. Use a very sharp pick to scratch the debris out of the screw head. Additionally, the company began offering three-blade propellers as a factory option. The first engines fitted were a pair of Continental O-470-B carbureted engines outputting 240 hp each. 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. Using a fuel level dipstick will lessen the possibility of ever hearing that silence. The first step is to know which bladder your aircraft uses. The pilot must remember to fly about 1 hour of fuel out of the mains before switching to aux. According to Larry Balls The Twin Cessna Flyer, nearly half of all twin Cessna accidents and incidents are directly related to the gear, and a quarter of all accidents and incidents are related to failure of the nose gear idler bellcrank under the pilots feet. These characteristics were a perfect match for business fliers, who needed to be across the country on short notice to do their thing. This group offers advice and knowledge sharing across all parts of the ownership process, from finding the right Cessna 310 to buy to maintenance or flying tips. All parts are stored in modern warehousing, to preserve their quality. But the right one was leaking and it did have to be changed. Overall, a good package of background information.]. Of course I dont push the engines to the maximum, and find that I can cruise at 25.5 to 26 inches, 2200 RPM, with a fuel flow at altitudes in the low teens of about 13.5 to 14 GPH and still keep the EGTs below 1520 degrees. Cessna part 1200065-2 $1,485.00 Choose Options sku: EA-1200065-1E Fuel Cell, LH Main Tank. Included with the new bladder was an installation kit that included all new clips, a roll of bay tapeapplied inside the tank bay prior to tank installation to cushion any wear pointscork gaskets and nipple clamps. All of the major bladder repair companies offer a test and advise option that clarifies the repair/new decision. If replacing the gaskets on the filler plate and quantity transmitter dont solve the problem, its bladder time. As maximum operating weight increased, limits such as maximum landing weight and zero fuel weight became factors. Money talks, though, and the true cost of a twin is doubled engine maintenance and fuel bills. Presumably, the canted tanks were to improve lateral stability by imparting additional wing dihedral. The fuel system consists of two main tanks, two optional auxiliary tanks, two optional wing locker tanks, fuel selectors for selection of main, auxiliary or crossfeed and other necessary components to complete the system. We typically remove the aft two seats (very easy to do), leaving a cavernous baggage area along with the two wing lockers. Theres a STOL kit available from Sierra Industries, but the cost is so high that its value is questionable. 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. Vacuum Pump Failure. During its early years, the Model 310 was sold for $59400.