Seneca or Duchess

[ken]

If you had a choice for your multi, which would you choose?

 

[minitour]

I've flown quite a few hours in both and I can honestly say they fly almost the same.

Fly the less expensive one.

-mini

 

[ken]

Thanks for the info. Mini.
I can get either one for the same price.

 

[svcta]

go by train

 

[minitour]

Thanks for the info. Mini.
I can get either one for the same price.

In that case, best equipped

Seriously...almost same airplane. The Duchess "rotates" a little more smoothly than the Seminole and the Duchess has electric flaps vs. manual in the Seminole (I only flew "older" Seminoles).

I like the Duchess...seems a little more roomy up front, it performs really nicely on one engine and I prefer electric flaps

-mini

 

[JimNtexas]

The Seneca is a pig compared to the Dutchess.

 

[Way2Broke]

What do you plan on doing with the rating?

 

[minitour]

Whoops - I read "Seminole" not Seneca.

That changes things a bit. Will you be able to rent afterwards? Is that the plan? Do you want to take friends/family, etc?

-mini

 

[ken]

Mini,
I was hoping to get my multi and to later take the family places. And yes, I, prefer electric flaps over the manual type ( they both have pros and cons though).

Way2Broke, as far as what I would do with that rating- I would love to fly professionaly at some point before I take my "dirt-nap"

 

[eagle06]

Seneca will haul more but with turbos im guess could be quite a bit more to operate (dont know the numbers but a hunch). I though the Duchess was a terrific hand flying airplane. Not a lot were made though so support is a bit tougher from what ive heard. plus the 76 has 2 doors!!!

 

[minitour]

Well, you can put more people in a Seneca. OTOH, the Duchess does fly VERY nicely.

-mini

 

[siegelaviation]

If you had a choice for your multi, which would you choose?

Is it a Seneca I or II?

 

[minitour]

Is it a Seneca I or II?

Good point and question. If it's a II for the same price as a Duchess, I'd go for the Seneca for sure.

-mini

 

[siegelaviation]

Good point and question. If it's a II for the same price as a Duchess, I'd go for the Seneca for sure.

-mini

If it is the II, don't abuse the Turbos too much! Easy on all the throttle changes. If it is a I, it has probably already had the crap beaten out of it. Don't expect to fly away on one engine in either model at gross weight with an engine out at takeoff. You have a better chance with the II.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

If it's for your MEL, why not get an hour in each and see which feels better to you. Otherwise, go with what's a little cheaper.

 

[minitour]

Don't expect to fly away on one engine in either model at gross weight with an engine out at takeoff. You have a better chance with the II.

Yep. Just like he said...keep the II under gross by about 200-300, don't slam the throttles up and down and you've got a nice plane.

-mini

 

[ken]

It is a Seneca 1.

 

[ken]

Amish,
I think you are correct, I should fly each for an hour and go from there.
Thanks

 

[CalifDan]

Duchess

Since it is a Seneca I, then go with the Duchess unless there is a significant difference in equipment or condition.

I did my multi in a Seneca II and own a Duchess. I have flown a Senaca I many years ago....not very impressive.

Have fun.

CalifDan

 

[ken]

Thanks all