Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess?

Two Kings

Two Kings

Well-Known Member
So I'm looking at FBO's to get my multiengine commercial and originally I assumed I would do my training in something like a Seminole or a Duchess. However I've been looking at aircraft offered and prices and they 310, while more expensive, is not so significant as to be out of my price range. Would the extra performance and horsepower or aircraft be worth the extra training cost? Would the training in it be more valuable as I move to more powerful and advanced aircraft or is a multiengine aircraft a multiengine aircraft? Coming for flying mostly 172's would I be overwhelmed by the 310's power?
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

1) Love the rock robot.
2) It depends. If you're just building time for a job, then time is time. If you're trying to build skill, go with the 310. The higher power, critical engine, and more complex systems are well worth your while (and money) to learn. My interests are in 135; if I had the chance to fly a Baron/310/etc, I'd probably pay up to 20% more for it. Currently building time in a Seneca for the MEI.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

Some considerations:
1. Look at the instruction you will receive.
2. Most insurance now wants about 20 hours in type before you can be a PIC. What are you looking to do?
2. Seminole and Dutchess are more training airplanes. If you are looking for an MEI position many schools use them so this may be the route to go.
3. Because of their performance 310s are often used by 135 operations, or places that use them for a combination. Your time in type might be more valuable if you are looking at this route.
Good luck.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

Like Blackhawk said, the Duchess is more of a trainer. Much more forgiving, but still easy to get a prop strike due to their poor gear design. It really just depends on your goals.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

I don't have any twin experience, but I would think having 310 experience would help you a bit more down the road than having Duchess time.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

Having flown and taught in both the 310 and Seminole (similar to Duchess), first analyze what your goals after your multi-training. If you're really wanting to get some time in the 310, I would suggest getting your first few hours of multi in the Duchess, just to build up your knowledge of "what to do" in a multi...esp when it comes to engine failures.

A 310 is not really a "training" airplane, it's not forgiving. It can be a handful if/when you're single engine, and it's not what I'd suggest a new multi student to jump right into.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

I don't have any multi experience, but in my opinion, it really depends on what your plan is after you get your multi rating.
I was in a similar situation a few months ago. While building hours toward my Commercial single engine, I rented 182s while most of my friends were building time in 172s or Arrows. I did that because I knew I wanted to get hired as a jump pilot after getting my license (most drop zones have 182s)

So yeah, it really depends on what your plan is
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

I'd like to work for a 135 company as I am nearing 135 IFR minimums so having 310 time is appealing. But it also might be good to start out in the Duchess to learn the basics in a slower, more forgiving airplane. Thanks for the advice so far.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

310 all the way! Especially if the cost isn't prohibitive. You'll learn in a faster, more complex, and less forgiving multi. I think that's a virtue, but that's just me. Besides, it's not like you're weighing a duchess against a king air. If you're near 135 mins than I would hazard that you're up for 310 training.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

Chances are you will be further behind the 310 for longer, nothing really wrong with that, it just means you'll be spending more time/money in it.

And who's hatin' on the Duchess gear design? It turns bad landings into good ones!

After flying the Seminole for the last couple weeks I take back everything bad I ever said about the Duchess. :P
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

Ahem...which airplane was Sky King in? -
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

I have no Duchess time, but I'd personally start out in something more docile than a 310. Coming from a 172 the 310 is a lot faster and easier to fall behind on. Other than the speed and extra power the sight picture is a lot different. It doesn't sound like much but it may be something to consider while you're doing commercial maneuvers and the horizon is important. Just something else to get used to and may end up costing you more money in the end. That said, it's a great airplane!
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

Oh, pish, posh. Back in the glory days of flying, guys would step out of a Duchess and blast off in an MU-2. You don't see THOSE guys painted all over an unforgiving lands...ok bad example.

Learn in the twin sundowner. Then fly ole big-nose.
 
Re: Multiengine training. A Cessna 310 or Beechcraft Duchess

Boris Badenov said:
Oh, pish, posh. Back in the glory days of flying, guys would step out of a Duchess and blast off in an MU-2.
Click to expand...

OK gramps, take your prune juice and shuffle that walker off to bed.
 
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