Best Twin for ME instruction?

[Mach]

Very capable airplane with great single engine performance.

 

[AC560]

Very capable airplane with great single engine performance.

Not an airplane I would pick for ME instruction though.

 

[Mach]

Why?

If $hit were to hit the fan. I want to be able to climb on one engine, not make a smoking hole in the ground.

 

[AC560]

If $hit were to hit the fan. I want to be able to climb on one engine, not make a smoking hole in the ground.

It is a relatively complex and difficult to fly airplane with high maintenance costs. I have a lot of 320 hours. Great airplane, nothing against it. It wouldn't be my first choice for multi instruction which is what the question was.

 

[AiRegency]

Beechcraft Duke. That'll make a man out of ya.

 

[Andy Neill]

Where does the Seneca fit in this mix?

 

[Princedietrich]

Having flown the PA44 and the BE76, I'd have to give my preference to the Dutchess. Granted you'll be able to find very new and relatively well-equipped and maintained Seminoles out there since they are still in production.

Never flown a Seneca, but will be taking one up in the next couple o weeks.

Never flown a 310, but have heard good things about them.

Never flown a Twin Commanche so I know nothing about them.

Never flown a Duke, but always wanted to.

If it were up to me, I'd go for a Baron. Did my comm-multi and MEI in a BE55 and signed off a few students in one. Did my ATP and few many hundreds of hours in a BE58. They're expensive, no denying it, but Barons are excellent airplanes. They definitely keep you on your toes, both as a trainee and as an instructor, because they can be very unforgiving (especially in terms of VMC).

 

[VW Pilot]

BE-76 or Travelair....I rode right seat in a BE-76...The set up is very nice.

 

[ackattacker]

I did a lot of instruction in a Twin Comanche and thought it was excellent for training. Of course not as docile as a Seminole. It has an honest-to-god Vmca and if you go below it single engine you'll know it quick. In my opinion this is a plus - makes for a better and safer twin pilot than one who learned on a training-wheels plane and then has to go on and fly a "real" twin.

All the other planes being discussed besides the Twin Comanche and Seminole will cost more to operate. The PA30 is only 160HP per side and is relatively simple systems-wise. Good speed for cross-country also. The gear is not as finicky as people say, but it is stiff and not easy to grease on. Most of the people who land a Twin Comanche gear up had no idea how to properly perform an emergency gear extension.

 

[JAFI]

Beechcraft Duke. That'll make a man out of ya.

Well, if you are going to go there - Beech 18 round engine - conventional gear......