Aircraft overview

The Cessna 336 / 337 Skymaster is a twin engine, piston powered utility and touring aircraft built around Cessna’s distinctive centerline thrust layout. The fixed gear Cessna 336 was introduced in the early 1960s, with production beginning in 1963 and ending in 1964. It was followed by the retractable gear Cessna 337 Super Skymaster, produced from 1965 into the 1980s, with additional production by Reims in France. Its importance is practical rather than cosmetic: by placing one engine in the nose and one at the rear of the fuselage, the Skymaster avoids the asymmetric thrust handling of conventional light twins after an engine failure.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speeds vary by model, condition and equipment, but normally fall around 150 to 170 knots for many Cessna 337 aircraft, with turbocharged versions offering stronger high altitude performance. Usable range is commonly in the region of 800 to 1,000 nautical miles depending on fuel, payload and power setting. Useful load is often around 1,400 to 1,700 lb, again highly dependent on variant and installed equipment. The normally aspirated Cessna 337 commonly uses two Continental IO-360 series engines rated at 210 hp each, while turbocharged T337 models use turbocharged Continental variants. Service ceiling is typically around 19,500 feet for normally aspirated versions, with turbocharged models certified higher.

Cabin & avionics

The Skymaster cabin usually seats up to six, with two front seats, a middle row and compact rear seating. Access and baggage space are adequate for personal transport, aerial survey and owner flown business use, but buyers should assess real loading carefully, especially with full fuel and six occupants. Factory avionics were conventional analog instruments, so most aircraft on the market have mixed retrofit panels. Common upgrades include Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 electronic flight instruments, modern audio panels, ADS-B equipment and replacement autopilot components. Garmin G1000 and Garmin Perspective were not factory Skymaster systems.

Buying & value

Key pre purchase items include centerline thrust system familiarity, engine cooling, rear engine access, gear system condition on Cessna 337 models, corrosion, fuel system condition and complete maintenance records. Buyers should distinguish the fixed gear Cessna 336 from the more common retractable Cessna 337, and note turbocharged, pressurized P337 and military O-2 derived aircraft separately. Modifications, engine times, avionics quality and paint condition strongly influence value. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price of about EUR 116,000, with examples ranging from roughly EUR 94,000 to EUR 146,000, positioning the type as a specialized used twin with unusual handling advantages and equally specialized maintenance considerations.