In the competitive world of general aviation, Columbia Aircraft holds a unique place as a manufacturer of high-performance, piston-powered aircraft. Known for their speed, efficiency, and comfort, Columbia planes have made a significant mark on the industry. Although the brand has undergone changes in ownership and rebranding over the years, the influence of Columbia Aircraft in the general aviation sector continues to resonate with aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.
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During its time in the aviation business, Columbia released three well-received aircraft models - the Columbia 300, 350 and 400 - which would continue to live on after the company was bought out by Cessna. The series would be rebranded as the Cessna 350 and Cessna 400, then later the Cessna 400 TTX.
The birth of Columbia Aircraft
Columbia Aircraft began in the 1990s under the name "Lancair Certified" and initially operated as part of the larger Lancair International, a company specializing in high-performance kit aircraft. Lancair's goal was to create a fully certified, ready-to-fly airplane based on their popular kit plane, the Lancair IV. After successfully navigating the FAA certification process, the Columbia 300 was born and became the first model to hit the general aviation market.
Photo: Tomas Del Coro | Wikimedia Commons ✕ Remove Ads The Columbia model 300
The Columbia 300 was well-received for its sleek design, fast cruising speeds, and reliable performance. With its innovative composite construction, the aircraft was lighter and faster than many of its competitors. The company continued to innovate and improve on this model, leading to the launch of the Columbia 350 and Columbia 400, which brought even higher speeds and improved avionics systems.
Specification
Columbia 300
Engine Model
Continental IO-550-N
Horsepower
310 hp
Maximum Cruise Speed
190 knots (218 mph / 352 km/h)
Range
1,000 nm (1,150 mi / 1,852 km)
Service Ceiling
18,000 feet
Fuel Capacity
98 gallons
Seating Capacity
4
Gross Weight
3,400 lbs
✕ Remove Ads The Columbia model 350
Based on the success of the Columbia 300, the company decided to further evolve with the Columbia 350 and 400 models. They became the flagship models of the brand and became renowned for their cutting-edge technology, powerful engines, and luxurious interiors. The Columbia 350 is a fixed-gear, piston-engine aircraft that has a maximum cruising speed of about 191 knots, a significant figure for single-engine planes in its category.
This aircraft offered pilots exceptional speed and efficiency while maintaining comfort with its spacious cabin and ergonomic design. The 350 also featured advanced avionics, such as the Garmin G1000, which made navigation more intuitive and accessible.
Further evolution and the model 400
Building on the success of the Columbia 350, the Columbia 400 became the fastest single-engine, fixed-gear piston aircraft in the world, capable of reaching a maximum cruising speed of over 235 knots. The Columbia 400 came with a turbocharged engine, further increasing its high-altitude capabilities and appeal among serious pilots.
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Specification
Columbia 400
Engine Model
Continental TSIO-550-C (turbocharged)
Maximum Cruise Speed
235 knots (270 mph / 435 km/h)
Range
1,250 nm (1,438 mi / 2,315 km)
Service Ceiling
25,000 feet
Fuel Capacity
102 gallons
With a range of around 1,250 nautical miles, the Columbia 400 allowed for longer flights without the need for frequent stops, making it a favorite among cross-country flyers.
✕ Remove Ads Cessna buys Columbia
In 2007, Cessna Aircraft Company acquired Columbia Aircraft, rebranding the Columbia 350 and 400 as the Cessna 350 and Cessna 400, respectively. Cessna's acquisition aimed to leverage Columbia's advanced composite technologies and incorporate them into its own product line, which primarily consisted of aluminum-based aircraft. This shift allowed Cessna to diversify its portfolio and offer customers a wider range of options within the high-performance single-engine category.
Related Columbia To Cessna: A Look At The Cessna 400 TTx
The Columbia 400 found new life as the Cessna 400 TTX through advanced systems and structural upgrades and lived to fly another day.
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However, after the rebranding, Cessna discontinued production of the Cessna 350 and eventually focused on the Cessna 400, reintroducing it as the TTx model. Despite Cessna's extensive support, the TTx did not achieve as much commercial success as initially hoped, largely due to stiff competition and economic factors that influenced the general aviation market. Cessna ultimately ended production of the TTx in 2018, effectively marking the end of the Columbia lineage under the Cessna name.
The Legacy of Columbia Aircraft
Although Columbia-branded aircraft are no longer in production, the legacy of their engineering lives on. The Columbia 350 and 400 pushed the boundaries of what single-engine aircraft could achieve in terms of speed, efficiency, and avionics. The influence of their composite construction and aerodynamic design has inspired other manufacturers in the general aviation industry to explore similar innovations.
✕ Remove Ads Related What Is your Favorite Single-Engine Cessna To Fly?
Cessna is one of the most popular aircraft manufacturers in the general aviation industry. The company gained prominence in the general aviation boom that occurred after World War II. The success continued into the 1950s with the introduction of several single-engine aircraft, like the Cessna 172, the most produced general aviation aircraft in the world. The company still produces several single-engine aircraft today, including the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, the Cessna 182 Skylane, and the Cessna 206 Stationair. These aircraft are typically used by flight schools for pilot training and other student pilots. Which of these Cessna single-engine aircraft are your favorite to fly?
Columbia's contribution to general aviation is also evident in the pilot community, where the aircraft remain cherished by owners and pilots. Thanks to their high cruising speeds, excellent range, and comfortable interiors, used Columbia planes continue to be highly sought-after in the pre-owned market. Many pilots appreciate Columbia aircraft for their blend of performance, handling, and durability, making them ideal for a range of flying missions, from recreational flying to business travel.