Cessna 310 B-Q Series | Cessna 310 Aircraft • VREF

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Cessna’s founder Clyde V. Cessna first visited an airshow in 1911, sparking his interest in making aircraft. With experience as a mechanic and auto salesman, Clyde made an aircraft with a kit from Queens Airplane Company in the New York area. Using this aircraft, he practiced as a pilot and became quite good.

In 1916, Clyde had a unique chance to manufacture aircraft rent-free on one condition – including “Jones-Six” painted underneath the wings of any aircraft he made.

A year later, in 1917, Clyde built the Comet. World War I, however, impacted sales, stopping production altogether. Critical parts and supplies were prioritized for war use, leaving aircraft building on the back burner for some time. After coming to terms with his failed venture, he returned to farming.

In 1925, wealthy businessmen Walter Beech and Lloyd Stearman allowed Cessna to build and produce more aircraft. By partnering up, Cessna, Beech, and Stearman established the Travel Air Manufacturing Company. Cessna served as its president for some time but wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Two years later, Cessna partnered with Victor Roos to create the Cessna-Roos Company. Roos, however, left the business shortly after for another job.

Cessna’s A and D series of aircraft sold well, but additional private aircraft sales fell to an all-time low in 1931 – causing Cessna to close his company once again.

At the same time, Cessna’s nephew Dwane Wallace attended school, receiving his degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Wichita University. And by 1933, he worked for Beech Aircraft Company, where he convinced its executives to allow his uncle to reopen his shop and continue producing aircraft. At the time, Beech’s company worked in a small section of Cessna’s former factory.

Cessna 310s For Military Use

Produced between 1954 and 1980, Cessna’s 310 is a six-seater, low-wing, twin-engine monoplane. This was the first aircraft Cessna produced following World War II. In 1957, the United States Air Force (USAF) chose the 310 to be used for transportation and administrative support. Starting with 160 unmodified 310As, USAF gave the aircraft its unofficial nickname the Blue Canoe.

Later military-made variants included upgrades to its engine for faster performance, extra cabin windows, a longer nose, and a swept vertical fin. Many of these aircraft were eventually moved to the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy for use – some of which operated until the 1970s.

Country of Origin: America

Cessna 310 B-Q Statistics

Below are the average statistics for the latest 1974 310Q variation.

Maximum Speed: 205 kts
Maximum Range: 680 nm
Maximum Occupants: 6
Range Of Years Manufactured: 1955-1974
Total Aircraft Build: 5,449
Current Operational Aircraft: Unknown
Useful Load: 1,600 lbs
Average Sale Value: $147,920
Average Days On Market For Sale: Unknown

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Operational Resources

Operations Documents

Owner’s Manual

Maintenance Document

Service Manual

Local Resources

Textron Aviation Inc. (Domestic and International Service Centers)
Cessna Flyer Association

Manufacturer

Cessna

Insurance

Avemco
AOPA Insurance
BWI Aviation Insurance
Falcon Aviation Insurance
Travers Aviation Insurance

USAA Aircraft Insurance For Pilots

Cessna 310 B-Q Details

The following is general information about the Cessna 310 aircraft model.

Interior

Inside, the 310 offered wing lockers to better accommodate luggage for up to 6 people, updated avionics, and improved visibility with windshield and window modifications. 310s produced in the 1970s offered comfort-focused features like customizable leather, vinyl, or fabric seating, ashtrays, writing desk, and interior color combinations. Thermostat-controlled heating and toe-controlled inlets also appeared in the 1970’s 310s.

Exterior

The 310 is a twin-engine cabin monoplane known for its sleek modern look and add-on or otherwise various features like optional three-blade propellers and turbocharged variation powered by Continental TSIO-520-B or TSIO-520-BB engines. Earlier 310s let in more natural light while later variations feature a more pointed nose, extra weight, and several engines that enhance its performance.

Avionics

Flight Instrument Group
Economy Mixture Indicator (Optional)
Avionics Control Panel (Optional)
Engine Instrument Group
Fuel Quantity Selector Switch (Optional)
Oxygen Cylinder Pressure Gage (Optional)
Heater & Cabin Air Control Panel
Flap Position Switch
Alternate Air Controls
Autopilot Control Head (Optional)
Rudder Trim Control
Aileron Trim Control
Elevator Trim Control
Landing Gear Position Switch
Left-Hand Switch Panel
Oxygen Control Knob (Optional)

Specifications

Configuration: Twin Engine, Piston, Retractable Gear
Max Seats: 6
Max Takeoff Weight K-P: 5,200 lbs.
Cruise: 192 kts
Range: 672 nm
Takeoff Run: 1,451 ft.
Landing Roll: 1,010 ft.
Wing Span: 36 ft. 11 in.
Length: 29 ft. 6 in.
Height: 9 ft. 11 in.
Takeoff Run (50 ft.): 1,795 ft.

Cessna 310 Models

The following includes information about all of Cessna’s 310 variations.

310

Cessna’s initial 310 is powered by two 240-horsepower Continental O-470-B or O-470-M engines with carburetors. This model has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,600 pounds and remained in production from 1955 to 1957. A total of 547 were built.

310A

The 310A is a military version of the 310 for the United States Air Force – designated L-27A and later U-3A. This aircraft is equipped with Continental O-470-M engines and has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,830 pounds. A total of 161 310As were built.

310B

Produced in 1958, Cessna’s B 310 variant features a new instrument panel and is powered by O-470-M engines with a maximum takeoff weight of 4,700 pounds. 225 total 310Bs were produced.

310C

This 1959 variation is equipped with 260-horsepower Continental IO-470-D fuel-injected engines and has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,830 pounds. A total of 260 were produced with a unit cost of $59,950 in 1959.

310D

This is Cessna’s first 310 model with a swept vertical tail. A total of 268 were built for the 310’s 1960 model year.

310E

This aircraft is a military version of the 310F – designated the L-27B and later U-3B. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,990 pounds and a total of 36 were produced.

310F

310F is Cessna’s 1961 variant with extra cabin windows on each side, a pointed nose, and a maximum takeoff weight of 4,830 pounds. 155 310Fs were built.

310G

The 310G is Cessan’s first model with canted slimline tip tanks and an optional 6-seat cabin. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,990 pounds. A total of 156 G variants were built in 1962.

310H

Produced in 1963 with a maximum takeoff weight increase of 5,100 pounds, this variant also features an enlarged cabin interior.

E310H

The 310H features the same 4,990-pound maximum takeoff weight of the 310G, and a combined total of 148 310H and E310Hs were built.

310I

This is Cessna’s first 310 model with baggage compartments in the rear. Continental IO-470-U engines power it, and a total of 200 were built in 1964.

310J

This model resumed production in 1965 with minor detailed changes and a maximum takeoff weight of 5,100 pounds.

310J-1

Designed off of the 310J and type-certified in the Utility Category, this aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,150 pounds. Seating is limited to 4 people instead of 6 and has a reduced baggage weight limit.

E310J

Cessna’s 310J features a maximum takeoff weight reduction of 4,990 pounds. A combined total of 200 310J, 310J-1, and E310Js were built.

310K

Cessna’s 310K features optional three-blade propellers and long vista-view side windows. It also has an increased maximum takeoff weight of 5,200 pounds with IO-470-V or IO-470-VO engines. A total of 245 were built in 1966.

310L

207 310Ls were built in 1967. Cessna’s first model increased fuel capacity via fuel tanks inside wings and optional fuel tanks in engine nacelles. Other features include a single-piece windshield and redesigned landing gear.

310M

310M is the revised designation for the 310E.

310N

Produced in 1968, the 310N features a revised instrument panel and provision for an optional cargo door and fuel. A total of 198 310Ns were built.

310P

Produced in 1969, this variation is equipped with Continental IO-470-VO engines and features a ventral fin and shorter nose gear leg.

T310P

Cessna’s turbocharged version of its 310P has Continental TSIO-520-B or TSIO-520-BB engines, which produce 285 horsepower. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,400 pounds. A combined total of 240 310P and T310P planes were built.

310Q

The Q is Cessna’s last short-nose model, introduced in 1970 with a maximum takeoff weight increase of 5,300 lbs. Detailed changes include the 401st aircraft fitted with a bulged rear cabin roof with a rearview window.

T310Q

Cessna’s turbocharged version of its 310Q has Continental TSIO-520-B or TSIO-520-BB engines and a maximum takeoff weight increased to 5,500 lbs. A combined total of 871 310Q and T310Q were built.

310R

Introduced in 1975 this model has either 285-horsepower (213 kW) Continental IO-520-M or IO-520-MB engines, three-blade standard propellers, and a lengthened nose containing a baggage compartment. The 310R has a maximum takeoff weight of 5,500 lbs.

T310R

This variation is designed from the 310R with turbocharged Continental TSIO-520-B or TSIO-520-BB engines. A combined total of 1,332 310R and T310R were built.

310S

This is the original designation for the Cessna 320.

320 Skyknight

Cessna’s first Skynight, this variation is an enlarged version of the 310F with 6 seats, a larger cabin, and two turbocharged engines. A total of 110 were built.

320A Skyknight

The first model with canted fuel tanks and other minor changes, 47 320As were built.

320B Skyknight

This is the first 320 model with a Nacelle baggage locker and other minor changes. A total of 62 were built.

320C Skyknight

The 320C Skynight has a longer cabin, optional 7th seat, and other minor changes with a total of 73 built.

320D Executive Skyknight

Cessna’s first Executive Skynight model features reshaped rear windows and 285-horsepower TSIO-520-B engines. A total of 130 were built.

320E Executive Skyknight

With a pointed nose, single-piece windshield, modified landing gear, increased takeoff weight, and minor changes, 110 320E Executive Skynights were built.

320F Executive Skyknight

Minor changes appear in this updated Skynight. A total of 45 were built.

L-27A

U.S. designated military aircraft for the 310A later changed to U-3A.

L-27B

U.S. designated military aircraft for the 310E and 310M, later changed to U-3B.

U-3A

L-27A was redesignated in 1963.

U-3B

L-27B was redesignated in 1963.

Colemill Executive 600

Converted from models 310F to 310Q, the Colemill Executive replaces its engines with 350-horsepower Lycoming TIO-540-J2BDs driving four-bladed propellers.

Riley 65

Originally converted from 310 to 310G, the Riley replaced its engines with two 240-260-horsepower Continental O-470Ds or -470Ms.

Riley Super 310

Riley Super is a conversion of Cessna’s 310 and 320 by fitting two 310-horsepower Continental TSIO-520J or 520N engines.

Riley Turbostream

Converted from Cessna’s 310, this aircraft is equipped with two 350-horsepower Lycoming engines.

Riley Rocket

Converted from Cessna’s 310, this aircraft is fitted with two 290-horsepower Lycoming IO-540-A1A5 engines and has more fuel capacity.

Riley Turbo-Rocket

Cessna’s turbocharged Riley is fitted with two Riley-manufactured turbochargers, allowing it an increased cruise speed from 252 mph to 302 mph.

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