337 - Aztec Comparison

[Dale Campbell]

I had my large main gear doors removed and the airspeed is the same at cruise. Only now I can get the gear up if no runway left in front, at 10 feet off ground. So I can climb cleaner and that is usually 1500 feet/minute. If I loose a engine I only have to feather and keep flying and get higher to go down wind for a safe landing. I had a instructor pull the front engine to idle with 3 on board, 85 degree day and near full tanks. I was just 200 feet high but gained another 90 feet down wind. I know I could gain more if the prop wasn't windmilling causing drag. No problem, even a single engine pilot could do it. Try that in a Aztec. You would have your hands full and probably mess your pants, if you didn't hit the ground first.