Modifying Skymaster landing gear

cessnadriver · #1 09-28-11, 06:22 AM

I'm seriously considering buying a C337A (PROJECT). Here's my question. I'd like
to convert a C337A from RG to permanently fixed gear. Does anyone know A
DAR/DER that I can give me information about this pursuit? I'd like to know the
following. 1) Is this change over possible? 2) Will I have to do an STC, or can
I just get it approved and possibly sell the information (documentation) to some
one that wants to do the same conversion? 3) If do-able, will I be able to
remove all hydraulics, lines pumps, cylinders and increase the USEFUL weight?
I'm an A&P and will do most of the work. Any and all information/advise will be
deeply appreciated!
Thanks, Bill Story 814-673-6863 bstory@pa.rr.com
PS: I've contacted Bill Crews he suggested I contact Owen Bell, haven't yet.

hharney · #2 09-28-11, 11:56 AM

This has been discussed before and I only know of one aircraft that has done this.

See this link

http://www.337skymaster.com/messages...ght=fixed+gear

Skymaster337B · #3 09-29-11, 01:56 PM

If you want fixed gear why not just buy an older 210 or even a 182. Sky masters are much better airplanes with retracted gear.

sns3guppy · #4 09-29-11, 11:34 PM

If you're going to fix the gear, I wouldn't be in a hurry to remove everything that made it a retractable gear airplane; you're taking value away from the aircraft.

If you want the gear down, why not simply leave it down?

If you're looking to put bigger tires on it, then you do have a problem if the gear remains retractable, if the tires will bind the gear. Even if you don't intend to use the gear, having tires that are too big for the wells or for unhindered operation do pose an issue. This would still be an issue for a Form 337 change.

You could seek your own STC, but it will be time consuming and expensive, and without engineering data to back it up, I don't know that you'd see a gross weight increase, anyway. You may want to partner up with a DER to see what you can arrange.

cessnadriver · #5 10-02-11, 06:36 PM

Thanks to all that left a message. I appreciate the input. I'm going to pick-up my C337 this weekend!!!! It's a 1965 C337. It may sound strange to most Skymaster 337 pilots/owners but I'd be VERY happy to have a fixed gear Skymaster. I originally was looking for a C336 that came only as a fixed gear but I found out that they are hard to come-by and that there where issues that where corrected in the C337! I talked to several experts about my plans to convert a c337 to fixed gear. Many supportive with reservations. I have tracked down the only C337 that was converted and am trying to contact that owner. If this owner of N53504 1975 C337G is a member, PLEASE contact me at either bstory@pa.rr.com or 814-673-6863 (C).

Ernie Martin · #6 10-03-11, 12:30 AM

I've been tempted to write earlier but felt I shouldn't wait longer.

IMO you should not do the modification.

Three reasons.

First, with routine maintenance the gear is very reliable. Second, once you get used to the faster speed of the gear-up aircraft, the gear-down version will seem impossibly slow -- it may be 5 or 10 knots, but believe me that it feels like much more (for reasons that have nothing to do with the gear, my last 10 or so flights have been with the gear down and it's a pain). Third, there is a safety issue, because an engine out on take-off is a lot safer to handle when the gear is up compared to when the gear is down.

I also concur with others that to do it right will be expensive; save the money for unexpected expenses and to keep your bird in perfect condition.

For the record, I've owned two Skymasters over the last 12 years (the first one was a D with the gear door removal STC and the current one is a G with the doors), I have an MS in mechanical engineering and spent over 30 years in aerospace businesses.

Just think about it.

Ernie Martin