Cessna Skymaster
The Classic Cessna Skymaster Still Roams The Sky.The Cessna Skymaster has a long and proud history. The Skymaster was a basic four-seat, all metal, high wing push-pull twin aircraft. It was in 1963 that the first production models began flying. Later, a redesigned cabin made room for six people. The cost of the plane in 1963 was about $40,000. In 1980 the production of the Cessna Skymaster was finished. Cost for the Skymaster was about $130,000 at that time. It was at that time that Reims Aviation of France was assigned world-wide marketing rights to the aircraft. The Cessna Skymaster is a very unique aircraft. It is a twin-engine utility plane built in a push-pull configuration. That simply means that the engines are not mounted on the wings. One engine is mounted on the nose and the other engine is at the rear of the pod-style fuselage. The stabilizers are mounted on twin booms and extend from the wings. The unique combination of a tractor and a pusher engine produces a very unusual sound that can be easily recognized. Some of the basics of the Cessna Skymaster include a top speed of 200 mph. It has a wingspan of 38 feet and a length of 29 feet 9 inches. The height on the plane is nine feet four inches and has a maximum weight of 5,400 pounds. The two engines are rated at 210 horsepower. Today the Cessna Skymaster can be found for sale in many locations. The longevity of the plane is solid proof that it is a plane that is both reliable and durable. Many pilots have reviewed the Skymaster and most agree that it is a "fun ride". Some pilots have commented that the plane does take some time to adjust to because of the "push and pull" effect of its design. Other pilots have suggested that there is little problem in adjusting to piloting the plane. During the Vietnam War the plan was converted and used as a recon plane as well as a plane that distributed propaganda materials for the US. After the war some state departments of natural resources purchased the planes for rescue work. Today the plane is used primarily for recreational pilots. A healthy supply and inventory of the Cessna Skymaster exists today and they are still being sold on the market. Various internet sites will have pictures, details, and prices for you to view and research. The Cessna Skymaster can be considered a "classic" in the aviation field. |