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 Narration 1973 Cessna 340 RAM IV

 

To many pilots worldwide, the Cessna 340 is the ultimate personal light twin.  Its looks, comfort, performance and economy are hard to beat.  An "investment" in a quality 340 will be hard to ever regret.  The Cessna 340, and certainly a RAM IV Conversion, is an ideal first pressurized twin. Jerry Temple Aviation (JTA) has sold dozens of 340's to first time twin buyers.  These pilots have typically been flying a 210, Mooney, Saratoga or other high performance single, or non-pressurized twins.  Load it with people and baggage and go somewhere.

 

The Cessna 340 is Cessna’s, and for that matter, general aviation’s introductory cabin class pressurized airplane.  The pressurization system provides a 7 - 8,000-ft. cabin at 20,000 feet.    The 340 is a delight to fly.  It has great visibility and takes off and lands like a big airplane.  It rotates.  Baggage is stored in the nose, wing lockers and aft cabin.

 

FACT – A 1973 340 flies just as high, just as far and just as fast as a later model 340A.  Additionally, once a 340 or 340A has been converted to a RAM Conversion, most prior performance numbers are changed on all 340/340A.  For detailed information on the 340 RAM IV Conversion, see the JTA Specification List with links to RAM IV information or visit RAM Aircraft’s website at www.ramaircraft.com.

 

Most 340 owners will Flight Plan for 190 KTS - with a fuel capacity of 183 gallons and with a fuel flow of 36 gph.  Range equals 1016 NM (183 gal. @ 36 gph = 5.08 Hrs X 200 KTS = 1064 NM No Wind – No Reserve).  Most pilots and families only want to be in an airplane about three hours.  In three hours you’ll have covered 600 NM while flying with a 7000 - 8000 Ft. Cabin at 20,000 Ft.

 

Discussion of 1973 C340 – N552S

 

AIRFRAME:  The Airframe’s 4204 Total Hours are 1236 hours below the average for a 1973 –340.  In appraising, this is a credit of $3,708.

 

The Airframe has been modified with Cleveland Heavy Duty Wheels & Brakes for improved braking and wear.  The Aircraft was built with what is termed “Full DeIce”.  A 1973 cannot be Known Ice Certified.  For 90% of twin Cessna pilots and twin Cessna missions a Full DeIce aircraft is more than adequate.  Full DeIce consists of DeIcing Boots on the Outer Wings and Empennage, Heated Propellers and an Alcohol Windshield System.  A Heated Pitot Tube, Static Ports, Stall Vane and Fuel Vents are standard equipment.

 

This 340 was manufactured without air conditioning.  In 1973, before the benefit of Ram Engine Conversions and Vortex Generators and the Gross Take-Off Weight/Useful Load increases that these modifications offer, weight was a much more critical consideration when “Specing” a new aircraft.

 

In 1973 a 340 typical Useful Load was approximately 1450 Lbs.   An eighty-pound Air Conditioner was a substantial weight.  Many customers preferred the extra Nacelle Tanks (range) to an Air Conditioner.  Many aircraft going to the northern states, Canada or in this case, being exported to Germany, simply did not desire the system or its weight.

 

The Keith Environmental System (Addison, TX) Air Conditioner is STC’ed for the 340.  Cost is Approximately $20-25K.  Down time  - two weeks.  Confirm price with Keith and an installation shop.  JTA has an experienced shop at ADS – steps away from Keith that can install the system.

 

The Vortex Generators create a safer twin with reduced Vmc and Stall Speeds.  Plus a 300 Lb. Gain in Gross Weight/Useful Load.  They reduce take-off and landing distances.

 

This 340’s high Useful Load of 1892 Lbs. means that with full fuel of 183 gallons (1098 Lbs.), Payload is an impressive 794 Lbs.  Fly with 163 gallons (Mains & Aux Tanks) and Payload increases to 914 Lbs.

 

Fuel Cells – all replaced within seven years

Left Wing Aux – Inboard and Outboard in 9/01

Right Wing Aux – Inboard and Outboard in 7/01

Right Nacelle Tank – 9/00

 

AIRCRAFT HISTORY: Cessna manufactured This 340 for export.  It was exported to Germany in 1973 where it remained until 1981.  The Logbooks for those 8 years and 815 hours are in the available German Logs.  The Aircraft returned to the U.S. in 10/81 and was then registered to a Montana owner for 12 years.  It was sold to a Wisconsin firm in 12/93.  It was maintained under P135.  Seven years later, it was sold in 3/00 to an Indiana physician.  He sold it after 3 years to the present Louisville, KY owner in 9/03.  FAA records and NTSB records show No Damage Reports.

 

ENGINES:  The RAM Aircraft Remanufactured Continental TSIO520-NB Engines were remanufactured in 1/05 and 6/06 Left/Right respectively.  They offer a 1600 hour Time Between Overhaul (TBO).  Many owners operate Engines well past TBO.  Perfectly safe, perfectly legal and perfectly wise.

 

PROPELLERS:  Each Hartzell Q-Tip Propeller was installed new in 3/06.  This increases value over a Propeller with a Suffix SPOH (Since Propeller Overhaul).  How many times has a Propeller been overhauled a wise Buyer asks.  The Propellers are electrically heated and thus a DeIce or Anti-Ice feature depending on pilot philosophy.

 

The Woodward Synchrophaser (both a Sync and Phaser) can remain on for take-off and landing.

 

EXTERIOR:  Last painting – 6/93 by Byerly Aviation.  Polished Spinners.

INTERIOR:  Re-done in 2004.

 

AVIONICS/INSTRUMENTS:  The strength of the Aircraft’s Panel is the modern STEC 55 Autopilot/Flight Director.  Present Weather Avoidance is provided by the WX1000+Stormscope.

 

Today, this Aircraft can safely fly to any spot on earth.  The KLN90 GEM and King Silver Crown Avionics remains excellent equipment.

 

Nevertheless, the modernization of the Panel is realistic.  Many pilots would add a Garmin 530 which immediately makes all other Avionics back-up.  The #2 can remain the KY196 dedicated COM with the KNS80 the #2 NAV.  Nice to keep because of the DME capability.  Or, the KX155 NAV/COM can remain as the #2.

 

If there’s panel room (Real Estate), keep the KR87 ADF and its indictor.  If not, both are removed.  A Garmin  GTX330 Transponder with Mode S can be added which displays traffic on the G530.  The KT76A Xpd can serve as a #2 Transponder.  If an Avidyne or Garmin/Apollo Multi-Function display is added, Situational Awareness is even better.  Weather Uplink can be displayed on the Garmin or MFD display.  Many pilots simply choose to have Weather Uplink, Terrain and other features displayed on a Yoke-Mounted Garmin 496.

 

Precision Engine Management is now easier due to the Shadin Digital Fuel Computer.  Adding an Insight or JPI Graphic Engine Monitor is an excellent plus for any aircraft.

 

JTA has an excellent shop that can upgrade this 340’s Panel with JTA oversight. 

 

SALES PROCEDURES:  A formal Offer To Purchase an airplane is submitted on JTA's standard Offer To Purchase form.  The offer to purchase is not the final Purchase Agreement.  The offer simply establishes the rules/procedures for the sale.

 

When an Offer is accepted, a five percent (5%) fully refundable deposit is placed in Escrow with Aero Space Reports of Oklahoma City.  Pre-Purchase Inspection logistics/scheduling are then discussed.  JTA makes every possible effort to satisfy the schedule/needs of the Buyer, Seller, Inspecting Shop and JTA.  Upon satisfactory completion of the Buyer's Pre-Purchase Inspection, full funding/closing takes place.  The Escrow Agent pays off any existing liens/loans guaranteeing the Purchaser clear title.  Normally, Buyer and Seller split the Escrow Fee - approximately $300 each.

 

In ninety percent (90%) of sales in which JTA is brokering the aircraft, the Purchaser requests/seeks JTA's well respected hands-on supervision of the entire acquisition process, including JTA's delivery support.  Therefore, JTA does attend the Inspection and in fact orchestrates/directs the entire process.  Note, however that a formal mechanical inspection is conducted by a maintenance facility at Purchaser's expense.  JTA assists the Buyer by conducting the evaluation flight and then provides hands-on direction of the inspection process.  Any major discrepancies are discussed and, in most cases, satisfactorily resolved between Buyer and Seller.  It's JTA's mission to produce a pleased and satisfied Buyer and Seller.  JTA then directs the funding/closing actions.  Upon full payment of the aircraft and official change of ownership, JTA normally assists the new Owner with a dual instruction delivery flight to the Purchaser's home airport or to a training or maintenance facility.  In certain cases, additional dual training is provided by JTA.  JTA is reimbursed all normal travel expenses associated with travel to and during the pre-purchase inspection and associated with the delivery flight.  Expenses are not marked up, just simple reimbursement i.e. airfare, hotel, taxi, rental car.  Additionally, JTA is pleased to provide Buyers with post-sales assistance/advice for as long as they own the aircraft.

 

The Twin Cessna Flyers Owners Organization provides excellent Owner support.  Contact Larry Ball at (260) 749-2520 for membership details.  If you own any twin Cessna - you must join the TCF!  The Group's Operation and Engine Seminars (Systems, Systems, Systems) is a superb course.  See www.twincessna.org for more information.

 

SUMMARY:  Buyers should take a close look at this 340 RAM IV’s Spec List, study the current Photos and perhaps re-read this narration and other information posted on JTA’s website or sent to you.  Evaluate your typical mission.  Think about your future aviation/aircraft goals.  Perhaps this 340 RAM IV, then trade-up to a 421C Golden Eagle and then a 425 Conquest I Turboprop is a sound plan.  JTA stands ready to support your aviation needs.  What’s next?  Call Jerry Temple Aviation to discuss this airplane and your aviation situation.

 

All information on this form is subject to change and Buyer's verification.  Data has been obtained from Pilot's Operating Handbooks, Manufacturer's Brochures and Sales Literature, Used Aircraft Price Guides, various used Aircraft Literature and from Aircraft Owner/Operators.  Certain information may be a Seller's or JTA's opinion.  Blank information simply means data is not yet known by JTA.  New information is added/changed on JTA's website as often as practical.  Call JTA to discuss.

 

Jerry Temple Aviation, Inc.

Phone (972) 712-7302    Fax (972) 712-7303

http://www.jtatwins.com        sales@jtatwins.com