The
Aerostar 601P is the most economical of the pressurized piston
twins with
the capability of flying at FL250 at an honest 215 KTAS with 800-1200
nm range.
The cabin has a uniform cross section from the front seats to the
rear bench: no
tapered rear cabin as in the Duke, Baron, or Seneca. The Lycoming
540 series
engine is well known for exceeding its 1800 hour TBO, even though
the Aerostar
has no cowl flaps and frequently engages in 20 to 30 minute climbs.
The Aerostar handles beautifully, with crisp and solid response
in all three axes,
while remaining exceptionally stable, traits not typically found
in a travelling
machine. Beech pilots will appreciate the exemplary yaw stability
of the Aerostar.
The Aerostar barely feels turbulence that sends most piston twin
passengers
scrambling through seat back pockets for a sick sac. Passengers
appreciate flying
high and above the turbulence and weather. Non Pressurized pilot-owners
stepping
up to the Aerostar will be amazed not only by the speed and handling
of this plane,
but also by how fresh they feel after a cross country jaunt in
a pressurized
speedster like the Aerostar.
Long range cruise power settings give the Aerostar the capability
of flying up to
1300 nm non-stop on winter missions. At 50% power, running rich
of peak, the
Aerostar 601P will deliver an honest 200 KTAS at 13.2 gph per side.
Running lean
of peak (something that the 601P does well with the high compression
engines),
the Aerostar 601P will deliver 215 KTAS while burning just over
14 gph per engine.
Fuel burns at max range cruise can b as low as 10 gph per side
while running lean
of peak in the 200 KTAS neighborhood.
For some reason, many people enjoy spreading rumors about the Aerostar
being
hard to fly and unforgiving. Please speak with someone with experience
in this
plane and discard opinions from those lacking experience with the
Aerostar! Or
better yet - FLY ONE!
My name is Philip. I am a retired airline pilot with A&P mechanic
ratings and
Inspection Authorization. I bought my Aerostar seven years ago
for my personal
use and for something to tinker with in retirement. As a result
I did not put much
flight time on the airplane. I did do a lot of maintenance recently
which is listed
below. But first, here is the basic information with equipment
list.
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