The True Operating Cost of Beechcraft Duchess
The Beechcraft Duchess is a popular twin-engine piston aircraft offering six-seat capacity, excellent handling, and proven reliability. Plan for $74,000–$94,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $740–$940 per hour. The Duchess dominates twin-engine training markets.
Quick Specs: Beechcraft Duchess
| Specification | Duchess |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Lycoming O-360 (180 hp each) |
| Fuel Burn | 38–44 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 210–240 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 2,000–2,200 lbs |
| Seats | 6 |
| Range | 1,000–1,300 nm |
TL;DR: Beechcraft Duchess Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $24,000–$32,000/year (insurance $3,200–$4,600, hangar $9,000–$12,000, annuals $6,000–$9,000, training)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $50,000–$62,000/year (100LL fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $74,000–$94,000/year (~$740–$940/hour)
- Finance a $400,000 Duchess: Add $5,850/month ($70,200/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$49,000–$63,000/year (~$980–$1,260/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$124,000–$156,000/year (~$620–$780/hour)
Twin-Engine Piston Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $3,200–$4,600/year for $350,000–$450,000 hull
- Hangar: $9,000–$12,000/year (twin-engine facility)
- Annual inspection: $6,000–$9,000 labor (twin-engine systems)
- Crew training/proficiency: $2,000–$3,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- 100LL fuel: 41 gal/hr × $6.50/gal = ~$266/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $10–$14/hour
- Engine reserves: $24–$30/hour ($27K per engine ÷ 2,000 TBO × 2)
- Twin-engine maintenance: $30–$40/hour
- Avionics/systems: $35–$50/hour
- Landing fees: $30–$60/landing
100LL Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons 100LL | Cost @ $6.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2,050 | $13,325 | $266 |
| 100 | 4,100 | $26,650 | $266 |
| 150 | 6,150 | $39,975 | $266 |
| 200 | 8,200 | $53,300 | $266 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Lycoming O-360 Engines
- O-360: 2,000 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $27,000–$34,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $61,000 ÷ 2,000 = $30.50/hour
- Reliability: Proven piston engine
Twin-Engine Piston Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $2,000–$3,000/year
- Fuel system maintenance: $1,200–$1,800/year
- Alternator/electrical: $1,000–$1,500/year
- Landing gear service: $800–$1,200/year
- Budget: $75–$100/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Twin-Engine Insurance
- $350,000 hull: $3,200–$3,900/year
- $450,000 hull: $4,200–$5,200/year
- Flight school operations: +20–35% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Twin-Engine Hangar | $750–$1,000 | $9,000–$12,000 |
| Tie-Down | $250–$400 | $3,000–$4,800 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $28,000 | $21,000 | $49,000 | $980 |
| 100 | $28,000 | $42,000 | $70,000 | $700 |
| 200 | $28,000 | $84,000 | $112,000 | $560 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $400,000 Beechcraft Duchess, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $70,200/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $70,000 | $70,200 | $140,200 | $1,402 |
| 200 | $112,000 | $70,200 | $182,200 | $911 |
Financing the Beechcraft Duchess
- Purchase price: $350,000–$500,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $300,000–$425,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $5,200–$9,100
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, multi-engine rating, $100,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $350K+. Lenders like JakenAviation support twin-engine aircraft financing.
Beechcraft Duchess vs. Competitors
- vs. Piper Seneca V: Duchess high-wing trainer; Seneca similar trainer platform
- vs. Cessna 400: Duchess proven trainer; 400 more performance
Get prequalified for twin-engine aircraft financing »
Sources: Beechcraft Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS