Page 12 - Volume 19 Number 10

The early 401 designation for passenger accommodation and 402 for utility hauling was replaced in the 1973 402B by simply offering “Businessliner” and “Utililiner” packages, the latter having extra seating and plainer furnishings. These offerings were carried over into the 402C. If used for cargo hauling, a forward crew door and wingwalk were offered.For business flying, the cabin would normally have club seating plus two crew and two aft seats, with foldaway work tables and cabinetry. After entering via the airstair, the lower door is raised by its support cables and secured in place, followed by pulling down the upper portion and latching it. The wide aisle gives enough room to wiggle forward in a low crouch, and the cockpit is spacious, once seated. Because most electrical controls are on the sidewalls, there’s little overhead but some lights andA Utililiner For ConservationThe State of Missouri’s Department of Conservation operates a 1985 Cessna 402C as a versatile utility load-hauler, carrying such diverse cargo as otters, pallid sturgeons, wild turkeys, fish fry, equipment and personnel around the state and elsewhere. Purchased in 1993, the airplane has given them very little trouble, according to Mike Beul, lead aircraft mechanic for the Department. The Department had previously operated a 402B, so it was well acquainted with Cessna utility twins.Service-wise, the exhaust system requires continual attention, as with all turbocharged Cessnas. Because of the aircraft’s capability, loading has to be monitored to maintain the proper C.G. The only complaint from the users is the output of the old R12-charged air-conditioning system in the right engine nacelle. MDC’s 402C flies about 300 hours per year and as we went to press it had about 8,600 hours total time. In Beul’s words, “It’s been a great all-around mission airplane, with good cabin size.”For personnel transport, the MDC airplane is outfitted with five passenger seats in the cabin. Cargo is easily loaded through the swing-out auxiliary door aft of the airstair. The airplane is outfitted with the forward crew door, which permits the cabin to be cubed-out with cargo while the pilot enters over the wing.Eventually, a replacement for Conservation’s 402C will have to be found, but it will be very difficult to find an airplane that will do as much, with as much efficiency.Northeast Air Inc. Half Page4/C Ad10 • TWIN & TURBINEOCTOBER 2015