Belly Photo Port

[robw]

There are in fact two possible camera holes in the 337. A small one behind the pilots seat and a large one more or less underneath the co-pilots seat. Both appear in the parts manual so can theoretically be retrofitted with minimal paper work.

The big hole, which Cessna offered as a factory option, also often came with an electrically operated sliding outer door. I doubt it would be practical to retrofit this large hole to an existing aircraft. It requires a completely different floor sub frame, different control cable routing, etc..

The small hole is dead easy but you are limited to about a 6" diameter on the cabin floor. Wider on the outer skin.

I can send you detailed dimensions and pics if you are interested.

[jchronic]

Any details would be much appreciated; can send to joechr@msn.com so as not to clog up the forum. From what little I've been able to glean, the factory option was only on later, 1970s vintage airplanes? Does that sound right? We had the airplane interior, including floor panels, pretty well stripped over the winter and I didn't notice any spots that looked like possible cutouts for a belly port. Of course I wasn't really looking for that at that point.
Joe

[robw]

I don't think so. One of ours is a 1965 model and it was built with both the 19" hole, the 6" hole and the sliding door. I will dig out some pics and manual pages and dimensions and email them as soon as I have a few minutes spare.

[African 337]

Originally Posted by robw

There are in fact two possible camera holes in the 337. A small one behind the pilots seat and a large one more or less underneath the co-pilots seat. Both appear in the parts manual so can theoretically be retrofitted with minimal paper work.

The big hole, which Cessna offered as a factory option, also often came with an electrically operated sliding outer door. I doubt it would be practical to retrofit this large hole to an existing aircraft. It requires a completely different floor sub frame, different control cable routing, etc..

The small hole is dead easy but you are limited to about a 6" diameter on the cabin floor. Wider on the outer skin.

I can send you detailed dimensions and pics if you are interested.

Hi Robw,

I've been requested to fit some photo survey gear into my 1969 model D for a sizeable contract so if there are some drawings that can be followed without moving controls and big stuff like that I would really appreciate a copy. The plne has a pod but I can easily drop that off!

Cheers