On 2007-04-25 08:33:38 -0700, Peter Clark
said:

On Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:16:07 -0700, C J Campbell
wrote:


If this is a pressurized Skymaster you might as well get the
pressurized and high altitude sign-offs as well.

Does the pressurized Skymaster have a service ceiling in excess of
FL250?

No, you are right. The service ceiling is only 19,500 feet. I had
forgotten about this limitation, but I think it was because of the
windows, which were never really optimal for pressurized flight.

The Skymaster is a fun airplane to fly, although it has its oddities.
It is nice and roomy and easy to get in and out of. The pressurized
versions are not great photography planes, of course. Rear visibility
suffers some. There have been some problems with overheating of the
rear engine while taxiing, so some pilots have taxied with only the
front engine and then forgotten to start the rear before taking off.
The Skymaster will take off on one engine, but it needs a lot more
runway.

One of the only airplanes I ever saw crash was an O-2, the military
version of the Skymaster. The doggone thing collapsed its nose gear on
touchdown at Clark AB in the Philippines. The pilot managed to eject,
but the plane balled itself up. Pilot had a broken leg. Man, that guy
was ticked.
--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor