N17WC Registration Data
Learn More about the RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY B300
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.
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Beech 60 Duke
[IMGCAP(1)]The Duke is like some luxury cars: It projects a definite image. The profile is sleek and shark-nosed, and it really looks the part of the corporate transport. It undoubtedly has impressed many clients with that solid, professional image. Beech used to nurture this, pitching the Duke in advertisements as an integral part of the lifestyle of attractive, successful people who are on the move. <P>The price tag reinforced this high-profile image-the last Duke was built in 1982 and went for about $600,000 equipped. The Duke also carries Beechs reputation for good workmanship and high parts costs. Its little wonder, then, that some owners fondly refer to their airplanes as the Merce...
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Cabin Class Twins
[IMGCAP(1)]<P>Okay, so the stock market has taken a dump. But the up side is that suddenly, there are more cabin class airplanes on the used market, cheap. <P>To sort through the choices, we'll round out our series on used twins by taking a look at the non-Cessna iron available for those who want luxury and are willing to pay for the maintenance these complex, aging machines demand. <P>At the risk of sounding preachy, we'll reemphasize four key points: Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection; don't short yourself on proper training; plan on EGT/CHT engine analyzers for each engine and, last, if you cant pay the maintenance bills these airplanes incur, don't buy one in the first place....
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