Beech 76 Duchess
The Beechcraft Duchess is a light twin-engine trainer built specifically to teach multi-engine flying at a lower cost than larger, faster piston twins like the Baron. Its counter-rotating propellers, spinning in opposite directions, eliminate the more dangerous 'critical engine' handling characteristic that complicates single-engine failure training in most twins. That safety-focused design made it a favourite with flight schools specifically for multi-engine and instrument rating training. Beechcraft built it in comparatively modest numbers before ending production, and today it remains a recognisable if increasingly uncommon sight at training-focused airports.
.jpg){kind=link}
Did you know?
The Duchess trainer spins its propellers in opposite directions, removing the 'critical engine' hazard that complicates multi-engine training in most twins.
Specifications
| Length | 7.9 m (26 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 11.6 m (38 ft) |
| Height | 2.7 m (9 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 3 |
| Persons on board | 4 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 1.7 t |
| Range | 700 NM (1,296 km) |
| Maximum speed | 165 kt (306 km/h) |
| Stall speed | 60 kt (111 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 19,650 ft (5,989 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,248 ft/min (6.3 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 310 m (1,017 ft) |
| Landing distance | 573 m (1,880 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 380 l |
| Engines | 2x Lycoming O-360 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Beech 76 Duchess starts as a Uncommon catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you.
A catch counts for the manufacturer Beech, the 76 Duchess family and the model in your collection, and the daily Type Rating quiz asks about the types of each family.
Catch it yourself.CatchFlights shows the aircraft flying near you on a radar, so a type like this one is only a catch away when it passes overhead. Explore CatchFlights.
Browse all aircraft types, or learn to tell Airbus from Boeing.