Target Audience:
Multi-engine training operators, flight schools, private pilots, maintenance technicians
Role:
Four-seat light twin designed primarily for multi-engine instruction
Primary Competitor:
Piper PA-44 Seminole
Key Advantage:
Counter-rotating propellers eliminating critical engine considerations
Key Features:
T-tail configuration, side-by-side seating, economical Lycoming power
Manual Type:
POH / FAA Approved Aircraft Flight Manual
Delivery:
Instant download - no waiting
Compatibility:
All versions of Windows and Mac
Searchability:
Searchable, bookmarked, and indexed
Page Count:
N/A - not specified in listing
Engine Coverage:
Lycoming O-360-A1G6D and LO-360-A1G6D left-hand rotation
Fuel System:
Wing tank capacities, fuel flow, crossfeed procedures
Landing Gear:
Retractable gear system, extension and retraction procedures
Flight Controls:
Dual control setup, trim systems
Propeller:
Constant-speed counter-rotating propeller operation
Electrical System:
Alternators, battery, load limits
Hydraulic Systems:
Power pack and gear actuation
Brakes:
Operation and specifications
Pitot-Static System:
Instruments and air data
Performance Charts:
Takeoff, climb, cruise, landing performance data
Weight and Balance:
Loading data, moment envelopes, sample calculations
Emergency Procedures:
Engine failure, gear extension, system malfunctions
Normal Procedures:
Preflight, start, taxi, takeoff, landing checklists
Airspeed Data:
V-speeds, maneuvering speeds, stall speeds
Limitations:
Operating limits, certificated weights, maneuver limits
Systems Schematics:
Diagrams for major aircraft systems
Supplements:
Optional equipment and configuration data
Technical Depth:
Factory-level flight and operating data per FAA handbook standards
Parts Information:
Operating handbook content; not an illustrated parts catalog
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android โ any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A โ digital download, no physical paper
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Engine:
Lycoming O-360-A1G6D (right) / LO-360-A1G6D (left, counter-rotating)
Configuration:
Four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed
Displacement:
361 cubic inches (5.9 liters)
Rated Power:
180 hp each at 2700 RPM
Fuel System:
Gravity-fed with engine-driven fuel pumps
Fuel Grade:
100LL aviation gasoline
Propeller:
Counter-rotating constant-speed Hartzell propellers
Standard Transmission:
N/A - aircraft use fixed direct-drive propellers, no transmission
Propeller Drive:
Direct engine drive via constant-speed propeller governor
Gearbox:
Not applicable - Lycoming O-360 direct drive
Landing Gear:
Electrically actuated retractable tricycle gear
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A - aircraft are certificated under FAR Part 23, not crash tested like road vehicles
Certification Basis:
FAA FAR Part 23 normal category
Active Features:
Dual flight controls, stall warning system, gear warning horn
Passive Features:
Shoulder harnesses, structural crashworthiness per Part 23
Emergency Systems:
Manual gear extension, emergency procedures per FAA-approved AFM
Avionics Fit:
Period VHF comm/nav, VOR, glide slope, transponder; varies by aircraft serial number
Audio System:
N/A - varies by original equipment and installed avionics
Flight Instruments:
Standard airspeed, altimeter, attitude, heading, turn coordinator
Driver Assistance Equivalent:
Not applicable; autopilot availability varies by individual aircraft
Reference:
Consult supplements section of POH for installed optional equipment
Inspection Intervals:
100-hour and annual inspections per FAR 91; progressive inspection optional
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 50 flight hours or 4 months, whichever comes first
Engine Oil Specification:
Aviation piston engine oil per Lycoming Service Instructions, grade per ambient temperature
Fuel Specification:
100LL aviation gasoline
Common Wear Items:
Exhaust system components, engine mounts, landing gear actuators and links
Propeller Service:
Hartzell hub and blade inspection per propeller manual
Gear System:
Squat switch, retraction checks, emergency extension testing
Corrosion Watch:
Wing spar carry-through and exhaust areas on aging airframes
Manufacturer:
Beech Aircraft Corporation, Wichita, Kansas
Model Evolution:
Introduced 1977 as a purpose-built multi-engine trainer; successor concept related to the Beechcraft Sierra/Beech lineage
Production Years:
1977 through 1982
Production Location:
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Legacy:
Widely used twin trainer valued for counter-rotating props and gentle single-engine handling
๐ Awards & Recognition
Industry Standing:
Established as a standard multi-engine training aircraft in flight schools across North America
Formal Awards:
N/A - no major formal awards documented for this model
Enduring Recognition:
Continues in service decades after production ended; strong parts and type-club support
