The story
The Golden Eagle was the top of Cessna's piston line — pressurized, plush, and powered by geared Continentals that turn the propellers slower than the engines. The result is a smoother, lower engine note than most piston twins, and a cabin to match.
Its geared GTSIO-520 engines spin the props through a reduction gearbox — that low, syrupy engine note sets it apart from most piston twins.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle?
Big low-wing twin with a long nose and a wide oval cabin. Later models trade tip tanks for a clean wet wing. Looks halfway to a small airliner.
What does a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle sound like?
Low and smooth for a piston twin — the geared props turn slowly, so it hums where others buzz.
How fast is the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle?
Top speed is 256 kts.
How many passengers does the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle carry?
Up to 7. A typical layout is pressurized 6-8 seat cabin.
How far can the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle fly?
Range is about 1,487 nmi.
How big is the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle?
It is 36 ft 4 in long and 41 ft 1 in across the wings.
When did the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle first fly?
Its first flight was in 1965.
How many Cessna 421 Golden Eagles have been built?
1,916 built.
How rare is a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Cessna 421 Golden Eagle catch is worth 25 points.
