Cessna C337 SID

[Shalimar]

I recommend that ipassgas take and underline Roger's final point, "Life is what happens when you let other people decide your fate". This is an on going issue with all aging aircraft. SOAPA is doing a superb job representing us all and the issue should sort itself out. That said, since the concern seems to be for the higher time airframes, i would suggest finding one with 3000 hours or less (this becomes academic if they base it on calendar years which seems even more senseless).
A bigger issue facing all of us is the possible future demise of 100LL but we can't let that stop us either.
Recommendation: Find a lower time 337 that has been well taken care of, has good logs and a knowledgeable owner. Find an A&P/IA that knows and loves Skymasters and pay him/her for a complete pre-buy (suggest not the same shop that performed the last annual).
Since you are experienced with the type you probably already know many of the foibles and should have an idea what to look for. if not this website has many knowledgeble and experienced pilots, mechanics and owners. That can offer some suggestions.
But don't wait on this issue.
Good Luck

[jchronic]

Being involved in marine mammal survey flying in 336/337s, I'm paying close attention to this. Before I retired from management at a Part 121 operator in 2006, also had some dealings with aging aircraft issues at that level. Obviously, there are several agendas and a lot of moving parts involved here, i.e. airplane usage, any valid failure history, failure modes, liabilities, the FAA's sometimes (many times?) unclear aim, etc. etc.

SOAPA's diligence and hard work in this situation is much appreciated. Like everyone here, I'd hate to see these useful and utilitarian airplanes needlessly put out of business by a financially unviable AD, SD, or other. And I completely understand the desire of owners and operators to avoid any financial hit.

However, as we sort through this haystack for 'truth,' I'd offer one observation, illustrated by what I said to an A&P inspecting a homebuilt I wanted to buy: "Give the airframe special attention. I can deal with an engine quitting, but not with a wing coming off."

Capt Ahab