Columbia 300

The Columbia 300, introduced in 1998 by Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, quickly became a benchmark in the high‑performance single‑engine market. Developed from the earlier Columbia 250, the 300 featured a larger wing, a more powerful Lycoming IO‑540‑M1A5 engine delivering 300 hp, and a fully retractable landing gear, giving it cruise speeds near 210 knots and a climb rate of 3,300 ft/min. Its all‑metal airframe, composite wingtips and advanced avionics suite set new standards for efficiency and comfort, while a spacious cabin accommodated four occupants with side‑by‑side seating. The aircraft’s relatively low operating costs and solid handling made it popular among flight schools, corporate owners, and private pilots seeking jet‑like performance without the expense of a turboprop. In 2007, Cessna acquired Columbia Aircraft, rebranding the model as the Cessna 350/400 series, but the original 300 remains a pivotal design that demonstrated how modern materials and computer‑aided design could revitalize the piston‑engine market. During its production run, more than 350 units were built, many of which logged thousands of flight hours, proving the model’s durability and contributing to a safety record that reinforced its reputation among the aviation community.

Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation

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Design & Classification