1984 Cessna T303 crusader. Known to be one of the nicest flying twins ever built. 4333 total time since new. Continental TSIO520AE engines. 526 SMOH and 1146 SMOH. No damage history. Always hangared.

Manufacturer year

1984

Serial Number

T30300303

Registration Number

N5529V

Make/Model

Cessna T303 Crusader

Aircraft Model Overview (Reference only)

The 1984 Cessna T303 Crusader is a six-place, twin-engine, retractable-gear aircraft positioned as a step-up platform between Cessna's high-performance singles and its larger cabin-class twins. Originally conceived in the late 1970s as a light twin to replace the aging 310 line, the T303 evolved into a clean-sheet design with counter-rotating turbocharged engines, a roomy cabin, and modern systems for its era. Produced from 1982 to 1986, the Crusader filled a niche for owner-operators and small charter operations seeking twin-engine redundancy with manageable operating costs. Power comes from a pair of Continental TSIO-520-AE engines, each producing 250 horsepower and driving three-blade McCauley propellers. The counter-rotating configuration eliminates the critical engine problem, contributing to more balanced handling during single-engine operations. Turbocharging supports strong performance at altitude, with typical cruise speeds of 175–185 knots in the mid-teens and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet. Fuel burn averages around 26–30 gallons per hour combined at typical cruise settings, with a usable fuel capacity of 155 gallons supporting a range of approximately 1,000 nautical miles with reserves. The Crusader's design reflects Cessna's intent to deliver a modern, refined twin. The wing employs a bonded honeycomb structure for weight savings, and the trailing-link main gear provides smoother runway handling. The aft cabin features airstair entry on the left side — uncommon among light twins — and the cabin cross-section is notably wider than competing aircraft in its class. The T303 was also one of the first Cessna piston twins designed with extensive use of ergonomic cockpit layout principles, including a pilot-friendly panel arrangement and accessible systems controls. Inside, the cabin seats six in a club-style configuration, with the rear four seats facing one another and generous legroom throughout. Baggage compartments fore and aft provide flexible loading. Panels on surviving Crusaders vary widely; many have been updated with Garmin GTN navigators, glass primary flight displays, modern autopilots, and ADS-B Out compliance, while others retain their original analog stacks. Cabin appointments — leather seating, headliner condition, and soundproofing — are common areas of refurbishment given the type's age. The T303 occupies a unique position in the used twin market. Production totaled fewer than 300 airframes, making it relatively rare compared to the 310, Seneca, or Baron, but parts support remains viable through Textron and the active owner community. Buyers are typically drawn to the type for its cabin size, modern handling, and lower acquisition cost relative to comparable cabin-class twins. Pre-purchase considerations commonly include engine time (TBO is 1,600 hours), turbocharger condition, gear system inspection, exhaust system integrity, and avionics currency. A well-maintained Crusader with mid-time engines and updated panel can deliver capability that punches above its acquisition price. For owner-pilots seeking a true six-seat twin with twin-engine redundancy, turbocharged altitude performance, and a cabin that comfortably accommodates business or family missions, the 1984 Cessna T303 Crusader remains a credible and often underappreciated option in the light-twin segment.