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Aircraft Aircraft Stepups Used Aircraft Guide

Beech Duke:

The model progression represents steady refinement, but the airplane's configuration remained basically unchanged. In 1971, the Model A60 was introduced with a modest increase in gross weight (up 50 pounds from 6725 to 6775), but useful load and performance dropped a bit. According to book figures, the straight 60 is a much better short-field performer than the A60. However, Duke owners tell us those early figures were extremely optimistic, and that the A60 is only slightly inferior in takeoff and landing performance to its predecessor.

Aviation Consumer Staff
Verified

Edited By:

Omar Filipovic

The Beech 60-series Duke is one of those airplanes that sometimes gets a bad reputation from folks who just don’t understand it. Yes, it can be a real handful on the maintenance floor if the previous owner didn’t give it the attention it demands. Yes, its turbocharged Lycoming TIO-541 engines are somewhat unusual and early variants had a short TBO, and even shorter in the hands of pilots who don’t know how to treat them.

But the Dukes-especially later B60 models-can be good airplanes that serve serious owner-flown missions with a high level of styling, signature Beechcraft fit, finish and handling, plus decent performance. Still, like any high-end pressurized cabin-class piston twin, be prepared to write hefty checks when it comes to maintaining one, and bring your A-game when flying it.

Aviation Consumer Staff