Range Map

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+ cargo
×
1

Tank-dry, where fuel runs out at catalogue's stored cruise burn.

Excludes reserves: range beyond the dashed circle requires a leaner cruise than what we store. Great-circle, still air, book cruise. Estimates only: always verify against the POH.

Payload vs. Range

Occupants:

Fuel on board

Cargo

nm

Range

Cargo is additional payload after occupants and baggage.
full tanks
Available Range / nm
Mission capable. This load flies with full fuel.
Fuel reduced by . left aboard for nm range.
Over max payload by . At this load it cannot lift a single occupant.

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Mission Profile

Used market Only available used
175
KTAS
Cruise Speed
915
nm
Max Range
20,000
ft
Service Ceiling
32
Occupants
4,313
lbs
Wet Payload
Endorsements & ratings:
  • High-Performance
  • Complex
  • Multi-Engine
Shorts 330 (N492AK), a Rocky Mountain Metro airframe. Photo: Bmurphy380, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Shorts 330 (N492AK), a Rocky Mountain Metro airframe. Photo: Bmurphy380, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Shorts 330

Type certificated 1976 Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet

Overview

The Shorts 330 (SD3-30), nicknamed “The Shed,” is a twin-PT6A regional turboprop built by Short Brothers of Belfast. It was developed from the Skyvan: the design kept the square-section fuselage, lengthened it, and extended the wing. The prototype first flew on 22 August 1974, the type entered service in 1976, and 141 were built between 1974 and 1992. The airframe uses a braced high wing, a twin-fin tail, a square, boxy unpressurised fuselage, and retractable tricycle gear, with STOL capability. All fuel is carried in ceiling tanks above the cabin.

The current fleet runs two P&WC PT6A-45R engines of 1,198 shp each (post Mod 6031), turning five-blade propellers. It seats 30 passengers plus two crew, cruises at about 175 kt, and has an MTOW of 22,900 lb. The 330 served as a 30-seat regional and commuter airliner, took on a large second life as a cargo and feeder freighter, and was militarised as the C-23 Sherpa.

Key Features for GA Buyers

  • Stretched Skyvan lineage: The square-section fuselage was lengthened and the wing extended from the Skyvan, giving a 30-seat cabin on a proven utility layout.
  • PT6A power: Two P&WC PT6A-45R engines of 1,198 shp each (post Mod 6031) drive five-blade propellers.
  • Ceiling fuel tanks: All 576 US gal of usable fuel is carried in tanks above the cabin, keeping the floor clear for the passenger or cargo hold.
  • Dual-role history: The type worked as a 30-seat commuter airliner and had a large second life as a general cargo and feeder freighter.

Trade-offs

  • Unpressurised cabin: The fuselage is unpressurised, which ties operation to lower altitude (service ceiling 20,000 ft) and adds weather exposure.
  • Boxy, high-drag shape: The square fuselage means high drag and a modest cruise speed of about 175 kt against a VMO of 198 kt.
  • Out-of-production support: The 330 is no longer built, so parts and support are niche.

See Also

Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Weights

Wingspan 75 ft
Height
16 ft
Length
58 ft
Parking area (ft²2)
5,334 ft²
Max Takeoff Weight
Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 22,900 lbs
Max Landing Weight
Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 22,600 lbs
Useful Load
Source: third-party reference 8,172 lbs
Fuel Capacity
Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 576 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed
175 KTAS
Never-Exceed (VNE)
Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 198 KIAS
Max Structural Cruise (VNO)
Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 198 KIAS
Approach Speed
96 KIAS
Stall, Clean (VS1)
73 KIAS
Range
915 NM
Service Ceiling
20,000 ft
Rate of Climb
700 - 1180 fpm
Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle
3,806 ft
Landing over 50 ft obstacle
3,609 ft

Engines

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Sources

Where the figures on this page come from. Shorts 330 specifications are traced to published references; estimated values are flagged inline next to the figure.

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