The Most Expensive Cessna 310

Pilot and twin Cessna enthusiast John Bowman restored his trusty Cessna 310R to better than new condition.

[@therealjimmysworld]

Beautiful airplane. Great interview. #SaveThe310

[@MikeBixby]

Born in '55 but I remember Sky King well. We had a 310 in the late 60's early '70's Grew up in the right seat. My favorite bird

[@thorstenwanoth6774]

I had many 100's of hours flying in short and long noses out of Eros airport FYWE as a happy passenger in the RHS front seat from 1999 to 2007. One engine failure and many adventures later I am still alive. Good aircraft, Good pilots, Good charter company and good memories.

[@noclu4u384]

Still one of the best looking planes ever .

[@deborahchesser7375]

I think it’s the wing tanks but it’s always been my favorite as well.

[@ven.clydejarudhammo9716]

When I was in grade school my family had a Riley Rocket , remember the Ray-Jay turbo chargers. Painted baby blue with gold and black trim at the time the only Rocket that was not orange.

[@chrisambrose8838]

Sky King is when I fell in love with the 310! Also sparked my my interest in wanting to fly. I did get my license in 1975 and a 31 year owner of a beautiful 172K . In ‘75 my xwife’s father bought a ‘74 310 Q and I almost passed out with excitement! I never got the rating, but was able to fly it when I was with him! Truly a dream come true! You have a beautiful airplane!

[@dwightstine3524]

I remember back in the late 70’s heading to Oshkosh. I’m in the removable little, I call baggage or tail compartment seat. Chicago vectored us around a thunderstorm. The wind was ferocious and according to dad and my stomach we dropped 7000 ft. In a matter of seconds. Scary for a young boy but that Cessna 310 got us there and home safely. Beautiful, and my opinion, very safe twin. My favorite!!

[@johnbowman6686]

Great job on the video Josh !!! You’re a real pro with the editing combining the aerial, interview & the “Sky King” intro ... Wow what a great job it brought back memories. Considering you weren’t born yet you conveyed some of the old time excitement of “Sky King” It was a radio show before TV and was very early TV before Superman. Yep complete with decoder ring and secret codes Sky King use to be cool. Fighting crime, defender of justice and always saving Penny (his niece) a true American hero just before paving the way for Superman. Seems a little silly now but in the first days of TV it was a big deal & offered seemingly real life adventures.... Much much better for more sophisticated TV viewers..... Much better than “Soupy Sales” or “Captain Kangaroo”. Those were “kids” shows for dorks but not the “Sky King”. I would rate him up there with Buck Rogers.... Thanks, John Bowman

[@thatairplaneguy]

Thank you for saving a classic.

[@tonys852]

Great looking plane. Thanks for posting. Enjoyed the vid.

[@rentalpilot2445]

Have about 200 hours in the 310, renting it. Hope to one day join the club of 310 owners! Beautiful plane!

[@coldisle]

Most of us DO feel that way John. We just can’t remotely afford it!! I’m with you…prettiest airplane ever built and I was hooked watching Sky King Too. Thanks for this great video and for sharing your beautiful plane.

[@climber5150]

My dad had a 310 and a 320 at the same time. We took some long cross country trips in those planes. Good memories.

[@josephstevens9888]

The Air Force flew Cessna 310 Sky Kings as a light utility aircraft in the late 50's to early 70's under the military designation U-3A, affectionately known as the "Blue Canoe".

[@mikeday62]

I like the Beech Baron and Piper Seneca, but the C310 has been my favorite since 1965 when we lived in Wichita. I fly only RC airplanes.

[@awuma]

A 310 was bought by a local businessman and flown to my home town in New Zealand in the late 1950's, and as a kid I was captivated by its shape and sound. In those days the 310 still had an upright fin and a somewhat rounder nose, unlike this one.

[@markjessurun1294]

Man U R definitely right it's a very beautiful CESSNA 310 and to me the R model is also my favourite!! To me however the piper super cub stayed with me as a kid since i always got a ride in one when i was about 8 years old!! Nice story Sir and have a nice flight!!

[@MrRaylay]

The 310 has always been high on my list of favorites, especially the R model. You have a beautiful airplane.

[@jrgb9945]

MrRaylay Yes, but a Q is cheaper and has 470s and those have less problems.

[@alejandrosienra2179]

Beautiful and fast little twin Émbolo Engine plane 💪✈️💫🌠

[@johnnyrocco]

I'm a lover of the 310's also. One of the best looking aircrafts made.

[@johnbowman6686]

Couldn’t Agree more, no bias here

[@mescko]

Stunning aircraft.

[@n1wakeboarder42]

I feel the same way about my dad’s 310. A whole lot of upgrades and love put into it. So sad seeing the ones sitting out going to waste.

[@boblivingston4841]

The Lear Jet of the light piston twins.

[@biko331966]

the shape of diamond 60 in some way, reminds me the 310q

[@KL7EN]

One of my favorite... "Sky King"

[@johnbowman6686]

Obviously me too. There is only a few of us left who even know of Sky King ... Check out the Mike Collins article in the AOPA PILOT magazine April 2020 “Building A Perfect Twin”

[@itsathaithing]

Great message!

[@310Pilot]

Nice Video AOPA! Hey John, I have the same disease you've contracted. I'm trying to give you a run for your money on the most expensive 310 title. Mine should be out of the paint shop very soon. :)

[@johnbowman6686]

310 Pilot ...Thanks for viewing the video

[@johnbowman6686]

310 Pilot I have no regrets concerning the money we’ve invested in our 310, Obviously I think your money will be well spent on your 310. Compared to the cost of a new twin you have a bargain even if you put 300,000+ dollars into yours. If you own it long enough you will exceed that amount, but with upgrades can be a better airplane than a new Barron. Oh yes a new Barron is north of 1.5 million. No way will you exceed that, money well spent!!!

[@williamjamescronan5265]

Kevin just saw 771BC stunning paint job. Wish you the best. Plz keep the videos coming. Vietnam Vet Bill from Boston.

[@gtr1952]

Hey Kev, I thought this was you at first... 1BC's silver is gorgeous!! I thought 'Sky King' flew a Beech 18?? 8) --gary

[@Southwest_923WR]

I also grew up watching "Sky King" I loved the peel off from camera plane in flight sequence! The 310 is still one of my favorites, although I don't see to many anymore, but whenever i hear that unique sound, man the memories good back! Gorgeous paint job, and it does accent the lines of the plane! Great vid, n thanks for sharing!👍🏿

[@1OlBull]

What a beauty!

[@observer1242]

Every Saturday at 12:00 noon. Sky King was my idol. Love the Songbird.Niece Penny was nice.

[@davejones542]

John Bowman is so right, the folk that let their 310s die are not in a world we understand. It is the best MEP bar none..

[@johnbowman6686]

Worth every penny ... opps dollars

[@m1358]

Great job John

[@Valor_73737]

Back in about 1970 I took my ATP check ride in a 310! Have a couple hundred hours in type! I actually like the 320 Skyknight of the area a bit better! Turbo charged engines and about, as I recall, 9 inches longer fuselage! Seemed a bit more stable than the 310!

[@craigjubin7185]

Hi John, This used to be my dad's 310 Robert Jubin N5103J back in the day. He sold it back around 1986, Funny thing is if I ever ended up with a 310, the N number you chose is what I always wanted N310CJ How ironic it ended up on his last 310. It looks like you've taken the most excellent care of her over the years. All the best to you

[@johnbowman6686]

Craig Jubin ....Hi Craig, thanks for the note responding to the video that Josh produced. He did a good job a lot of people have seen it. Well, I guess it’s a very small world, Somehow I ended up with your airplane and took your N number... Go figure, so sorry but I’m not giving either one up. However, we will have to talk about Todd Bates someday. If you don’t know about him your dad will know. By the way, there is a lot more information on your 310 in an article written by Mike Collins, in the April AOPA PILOT magazine, it can also be found online AOPA, John Bowman, Building the perfect Twin .... just do a Google search... Thanks for your response to the video ... Regards, John Bowman

[@tinmisuun]

What a beautiful airplane!

[@johnbowman6686]

tinmisuun Thanks for viewing our video, Josh did a great job on it. If you would like more information or details, check out your AOPA April 2020 pilot magazine “ Building a Perfect Twin” By Mike Collins ...Thanks for your comment ... JOHN Bowman

[@Booboobear-eo4es]

Airplanes I wish they brought back into production: Cessna 310 Cessna 337 Cessna 340 Cessna 421 Piper Cherokee 6 (fixed gear) Mooney M20 Commander 112/115 and 690/840/900 Mitsubishi MU-2

[@timmarotz8301]

when sky king upgraded to the 310 from the T50 i knew i had to learn to fly

[@jamieg103]

what the ... you didn't even show any images of the interior! I feel cheated.

[@SaltyPirate71]

The problem isn't that people don't appreciate the 310. The problem is that every aspect of aviation has become stupidly expensive. Nobody bought a 310, got tired of it and just said, "to hell with it".

[@seoceancrosser]

Very pretty!

[@johnbowman6686]

seoceancrosser Thanks for viewing this video... this old 310 has been a part of our family for 37 years. Josh and AOPA did a great job on the video. If you would like, check out Mike Collins article “building a perfect twin” online and in the AOPA pilot magazine April 2020 ...Regards John Bowman

[@mistercap5725]

I'm lucky to be able to fly the 310r. Even if it is in micrsoft flight simulator 2020, i always fly it like i own it and i love it i haven't been flying other GA aircrafts i got as much as the 310r the c182t used to be my fav but the 310r took over

[@av8rbri473]

my fav twins from Cessna; (310R) Have had a chance to pilot one. Leaps and bounds better than an equiv (on paper) Piper IMO... Seemed to have a decent climb rate and trued out at a decent clip thx for the video

[@redbovine]

How do you think it compares to the Diamind DA62?

[@av8rbri473]

redbovine don’t know much about them besides what’s on paper. top speed/service ceiling is about the same; rate of climb is way better on the 310; and since it’s not listed for DA62, guessing one engine climb is N/A. Range looks better on the DA. also less thirsty. But it’s a t-tail; two diff planes if u ask me

[@mortimerlivan557]

My uncle bought one of those and is working on it's restoration.

[@trainroomgary]

Cool story • Cheers from Mettetal Airport. Canton - Plymouth Michigan ✈️

[@johnbowman6686]

trainroomgary Hi from KIGQ nice to hear from another 310 enthusiast... check out the April AOPA article that Mike Collins wrote, he shares our enthusiasm for these fine machines.

[@trainroomgary]

@@johnbowman6686 Thanks for the tip. Gary 😎

[@skyforce2132]

My favorite is a Cessna 310D with 3 blade props!

[@johnbowman6686]

Skyforce 213, Thanks for viewing this video... check out your AOPA April 2020 magazine “Building a Perfect Twin” by Mike Collins. More details & He shares our enthusiasm for the 310

[@geoffmorgan6059]

Sky King's first airplane in the series was a Cessna T-50.

[@Valor_73737]

Yeah, as I recall nicknamed the "Bambo Bomber"

[@988bran]

I want one so bad and I would love to get involve with the 310. Just the only thing is where do I get the money for it! At this point I’ve realized I would have to bring in 3 figures just to own one due to expenses.

[@bernardanderson7569]

I watched SKY KING when it first come on TV back in the time and I love the Cessna 310 and I would love to owning one or had someone who wants to lease there's out to getting my Muti in one but it's not easy having the money to afford the operating cost and upgrade on Avionics to afford one so I'd rather rent one when the opportunity comes my way .

[@johnbowman6686]

Hang tough it’s worth waiting for when everything is right

[@danny-li6io]

Just make sure ya paint it red & black!

[@documax123]

I agree. It's a super looking plane.

[@johnbowman6686]

For more information check out Mike Collins article “Building a perfect Twin” AOPA April 2020. It’s online & in print or google John bowman 310 AOPA

[@johnbowman6686]

DOCUMAX Thanks for Noticing our old 310 in this video. We’ve owned plane for 37 years and have no regrets, 1,600,000 miles or so later still going strong & better than new. Check out Mike Collins article in the April 2020 AOPA PILOT magazine “Building a Perfect Twin”, lots of details and interior shots to. It’s also online AOPA John Bowman building a perfect twin

[@sambiscits6711]

I loved watching Sky King.

[@haimwilder2046]

most impressive show more, plus interior.

[@johnbowman6686]

haim wilder Hi Haim, Josh at AOPA, did a great job on this video but check out the AOPA April 2020 article “Building a Perfect Twin” by Mike Collins. More details with interior photos. Thanks for your comments ....Regards, John Bowman

[@jeddyhi]

310 Pilot has one. Check his channel out. He flies it everywhere. Just had it painted.

[@dreamaviation381]

Great video. Great airplane. Can you carry six pax and bags on the 310R or three adults two kids plus bags? What kind of range and performance would you typically see in the 310R? How is the operating cost and fuel burn @ 9-12 thousand feet?

[@charlesburnett9209]

Yes.900nm@183kts&27gph at a typical 1700# useful load&163gal fuel. $400-500/hr total yearly expenses(including fuel,hangar,insurance,reserves,and annual inpection/maintenance). Performance chart for a 1976 C310R shows:187knots tas/27gph/975nm range w/reserves @10,000' cruise alt.

[@albertvonschultz9137]

KZbin channel is Jimmy's world. He's got a project going right now that is called save the 310

[@dharahabsols4394]

best cessna 310 plane neil goswami

[@glennellis1584]

In 1955, The best $50k you could spend, for a new twin was the 310>>>>>>>>>>>

[@ihelpsed8em]

Awesome video. Any way I can get the contact info for John Bowman? A friend has a 310 and we can’t figure out the electrical issue with the gear reduction unit on the flaps motor. It keeps popping the breaker Just need advice. The 310 has been through three shops and nobody seems to be able to fix it

[@mickeydoolittle2057]

Tell him to join The Twin Cessna Flyer...

[@johnbowman6686]

John “OTTO PILOT” Keith .... Contact info for John Bowman ... [e-mail] 219-670-0234 Most knowledgeable guy in the world for twin Cessnas is “Tony Saxton, TAS aviation, Defiance Ohio”

[@ihelpsed8em]

John Bowman thank you for the reply. I’ll be in touch with you and the recommendation you provided.. Thanks so much

[@cappazone1807]

I loved mine. Next owner crash landed it i believe.

[@artgoat]

#SaveThe310

[@scottinnis9666]

Disappointed to not see interior and instrument panel !?

[@johnbowman6686]

Scott Innis..... Hi Scott, no problem, In addition to Joshes video there is an article by Mike Collins in the April AOPA pilot magazine titled “Building the Perfect Twin” You can also find it doing a Google search ....AOPA, John Bowman, Building the Perfect Twin.....Michael did a great job & a lot of research more pictures etc... Thanks for your interest in 310’s

[@johnbowman6686]

Going more glass but all the good shops are swamped .... Covid & ads-b in & out, I guess... fall or winter ... best current panel view is in April AOPA magazine

[@danielherrera7169]

Es un caballito de batalla va x que va es fuerte hay con más lujos pero esa es hecha par a todo es un 4x4...la.mejor

[@JabariHunt]

So what was the total spent on the upgrades?

[@johnbowman6686]

Jabari Hunt having owned the airplane for 37 years it’s hard to put an exact number on the total dollars invested. Good thing it is spread out over 37 years... However I would guess around $300,000 with about 6000 hours of flight time. This would not include engines. More details in an article by Mike Collins in the AOPA April 2020 pilot magazine “Building the Perfect Twin“ this information is available online and in the magazine. Thanks for your interest in the C310s

[@Frank-Thoresen]

Jimmys World is restoring a 310 right now. Watch his KZbin channel

[@smjj08]

Would of been nice to see the inside, and what is “expensive.”

[@mickeydoolittle2057]

The IO550 upgrade is about 140k, then the props are 34k for both. Paint & Interior 30-40k. Then avionics $$$$

[@johnbowman6686]

smjj08 ....In regards to costs, check out Mike Collins article In the April AOPA pilot magazine “Building a Perfect Twin” also online under AOPA “Building a Perfect Twin” As you know calculating costs when you’ve owned an airplane for 37 years is difficult to track. If you’re going for a better than new airplane, with all the upgrades and improvements, engines, props, avionics, airframe, paint and interior you’re still less than half the cost of a new twin. Oh yes and guess what it’s a better plane by the numbers. Performance useful load etc. just make sure you use it !!!

[@dalepontt8897]

Love the 310 r .

[@ctn830]

You may see them with weeds around them because they’re just too expensive to operate. The 340 is worse. That’s why there are a lot that are cheap to buy

[@johnbowman6686]

No doubt they’re not for everyone, but cheap compared to bigger twins, turbo props or jets. I always feel better when I talk to those guys

[@ctn830]

John Bowman I hear you but I would not put piston twins in the same category as turbo props or jets. It’s like comparing apples and oranges. They are more suited to be compared to single pistons

[@markburton6871]

Best paint job was U. S. A. F. Blue Canoe

[@mr.ginnationfunlifestyle3891]

Failed to show inside! Why? Makes no sense!

[@edadan]

Seriously? You didn't even show us the inside?

[@proudveteran4696]

Why

[@DanFrederiksen]

It's decent looking but given that a similar DA62 is over a million dollars, twin props are just not worth it. We really should have this size of plane with two tiny rear jets instead. Pressurized and real speed and range. DA62 is a rather lame 325km/h cruise. The 310 was similar speed despite nearly 500HP. Not profoundly impressive.

[@Hal09i]

No, I didn't wanted to see the interior of the most expensive Cessna 310...what a dumb idea, right? who would be interested in that?

[@flywithaopa]

Thanks for watching! When we shot the video interior was not done yet.