Beechcraft Duke 60 Aircraft 1980s

1980s piston twins include the Baron 55/58, Cessna 310/340/414/421, Piper Seneca II/III, Aerostar, Cheyenne (piston versions). Engines are typically on at least one overhaul; pressurised twins need pressure-vessel inspection on 40+ year airframes. Mandate-upgrade investment varies widely — some 1980s twins are mandate-current, others need significant work. Verify both engine logs separately; divergent overhaul cycles are common on twins.

The Beechcraft Duke 60 is a pressurised, turbocharged piston twin built 1968-1982 — roughly 600 produced. It is one of the fastest and most striking piston twins ever made, with twin turbocharged Lycoming TIO-541 engines cruising it at around 240 knots. Pressurised cabin, swept vertical tail, distinctive nose — the Duke is unmistakable on the ramp. The trade-off: TIO-541 engines are among the most expensive piston twins to operate, and parts can be scarce.

Beechcraft Duke 60 aircraft for sale

4 used Beechcraft Duke 60 aircraft for sale 1980s · 6-seat · Used median asking $188,000 · updated yesterday

Beechcraft Duke 60 Specifications

Model spec

The Beechcraft Duke 60 is a 6-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 240 kt (444 km/h), a range of 1,000 nm (1,852 km), and a useful load of 1,500 lbs (680 kg).

Performance
Cruise240 kt (444 km/h)
Range1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling30,000 ft (9,144 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLycoming TIO-541-E1C4
Horsepower380 HP
Fuel Burn45.0 GPH (170 L/h)
TBO1,400 hrs
ICAO TypeBE60
Weights & Seats
Seats6
Max Gross Weight6,775 lbs (3,073 kg)
Useful Load1,500 lbs (680 kg)
Production1968–1982

Beechcraft Duke 60 for Sale

Beechcraft Duke 60 asking prices range from $120,000 to $315,000, with a median of $188,000 (market reference $240,000).

1980 Beechcraft Duke 60

1980 Beechcraft Duke 60 for sale
$209,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,125
Reg# N168SP US
Location Temecula, CA
Via Mark Madura

1981 Beechcraft Duke 60

1981 Beechcraft Duke 60 for sale below typical asking range
$229,000
For Sale
Total Time 42,369
Reg# N20XL US
Location Tupelo, MS
Via Aubie Pearman
Listed 1mo ago

1981 Beechcraft Duke 60

1981 Beechcraft Duke 60 for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Reg# D-IUSA Germany
Location Trebbin, Germany
Via T. Heuermann
Multiple sources

1980 Beechcraft Duke 60

1980 Beechcraft Duke 60 for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 3,734
Reg# N66PL US
Location Westerham, England, United Kingdom
Via FLYING smart
Multiple sources

Compare Beechcraft Duke 60

See how the Beechcraft Duke 60 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Beechcraft Duke 60 vs Cessna 340

Beechcraft Duke 60 Price & Cost

How much does a Beechcraft Duke 60 cost? Used Duke 60 prices: $120K – $315K, average $188K (median $188K); market reference $240K, across 14 priced of 4 active listings.

Beechcraft Duke 60 Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Beechcraft Duke 60 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (45.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$27,900/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Beechcraft Duke 60

Buying a Beechcraft Duke 60 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

Both TIO-541 turbo engines (the dominant cost and maintenance risk); turbo condition and history; pressurisation integrity; Duke-specific parts availability (engage with the Duke Flyers Association); cabin and avionics; pre-buy by a Duke-experienced shop. Which Duke? A late Duke with engine program records and good cabin is the practical choice; budget for expensive parts and engine work regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions — Beechcraft Duke 60

What is the Beechcraft Duke?
The Duke is the Beechcraft Model 60, a pressurised, turbocharged piston twin built from 1968 to 1982. It slots above the Baron in performance, offering a pressurised cabin and around 240-knot cruise.
What is the difference between the Duke 60, A60 and B60?
The 60, A60 and B60 are successive improvements of the same pressurised twin, with the B60 being the most refined and most common, offering systems and cabin upgrades over the earlier models.
How much does a Beechcraft Duke cost?
Used Duke prices depend on variant (60, A60, B60), engine times and whether the aircraft has been well maintained, since the turbocharged engines and pressurisation add cost. See the live price range and median above.
What is the Beechcraft Duke cruise speed?
The Duke cruises around 240 knots, helped by its turbocharged engines and pressurised cabin that allow efficient high-altitude flight.
What engines does the Beechcraft Duke use?
The Duke is powered by two turbocharged Lycoming TIO-541 piston engines, which give strong climb and high-altitude performance but require careful maintenance.
Is the Beechcraft Duke expensive to operate?
The Duke is more demanding than a Baron, with two turbocharged engines and a pressurisation system to maintain. Owners typically budget accordingly; see the live price range and median above for purchase prices.
How many seats does the Beechcraft Duke have?
The Duke is typically a four-to-six-seat pressurised twin, depending on the interior configuration.
What is a turbine Duke?
A small number of Dukes have been converted to turboprop power (the Royal Turbine conversion), replacing the piston engines with PT6A turbines for higher performance and reliability. These are rare and command a premium.

Beechcraft Duke 60 Inventory by Country

United States17
Germany2
Australia1
Canada1
United Kingdom1
South Africa1

Beechcraft Duke 60 Inventory by State

California4
Texas4

Beechcraft Duke 60 by Price

Under $200k7
Under $300k13
Under $500k16

Recently Sold Beechcraft Duke 60

1975 Duke 60$250,000

Beechcraft Duke 60 Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Beechcraft Duke 60. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed yesterday · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data