Beechcraft Duchess remains popular choice among flight schools

Produced from 1978 until 1983, it became known as one of the most affordable twin-engine aircraft during its production run. Today, it remains sought after on the used market for those looking for a dependable twin-engine solution.

SkyEagle Aviation Academy notes that many pilots find flying the Duchess enjoyable due to its forgiving handling characteristics. It is often seen as an ideal first twin engine plane for those transitioning from single engines.

The Duchess's design emphasizes ease of operation and safety—traits that make it suitable for both training and private use without high costs associated with larger models. Its balanced combination of performance and maintenance cost keeps it in demand even after production ended.

Flight schools appreciate the Duchess's stability during flight training along with simpler maintenance requirements. It helps students transition smoothly from single to twin engines while delivering necessary performance for teaching critical aspects like engine-out procedures.

GlobalAir details its specifications: "Range: 780 nautical miles (898 miles / 1,445 km), Maximum Speed: 197 mph (317 km/h), Cruising Speed: 167 mph (269 km/h)." With two Lycoming O-360 engines producing a total of 360 horsepower, these figures suffice for short-to-medium flights and training purposes.

In conclusion, although not the most powerful or fastest among twins, the Beechcraft Duchess excels at providing reliable cost-effective platforms for multi-engine training and private ownership—a testament to Beechcraft’s ability to produce versatile aircraft enduring through time within general aviation circles.