[jlyle]

Over the years I have probably owned nearly 40 airplanes from a 172 to a King Air. In between I have owned and flown Aerostars, Cessna 340's, Duke's a P-210 and many others.
I currently own and fly my second Duke. It is certainly my choice of everything I have flown and I can fly anything I want.
To begin with, the Duke is one of the easiest aircraft to fly that I have ever owned, a true owner flown pilot's plane.
It is also less expensive to maintain than any of the other pressurized aircraft I have owned.
I can't say enough good things about the Duke.
The Duke was originally designed to be a turbocharged, pressurized aircraft from day one unlike most of the other aircraft available today and that alone makes it unique in the marketplace.
My reasons for selecting the Duke:
It looks great just setting on the ramp,
The nose baggage compartment holds up to 500 pounds which my wife and passengers appreciate,
The payload is nearly 2500 lbs making it a true fill all six seats and still make a reasonable length trip,
It is almost impossible to get out of CG, unlike many other airplanes
It flies fast and with a pressurized cabin you arrive fresh and less tired than on an unpressurized airplane.
The engines are easy to start hot or cold,
It provides easy access to the cabin and seating is comfortable for your passengers two steps and your inside.
Landings are simple and always makes the pilot look good,
Easy to set mixture with no EGT gauge to consider, just set fuel flow and keep TIT below 900 and go,
Pressurization allows you to get above most clouds/weather and have a great smoother ride.
Single engine performance is better than most all other twins. After all you have 380 horsepower per side.
I also recommend the VG's which really make it a great performing and safer aircraft.
Beech quality often called a "Baby King Air" without the turbine cost, truly the best bargain in today's marketplace.
You can buy a good Duke today have pressurization, air conditioning, speed, great payload, comfort and ramp presence for less money than many old single engine aircraft that are lucky to carry four people with little comfort.
Unfortunately, if Beech decided to make the Duke again today it would probably cost as much as the King Air and the market is just not there.
Don't let anyone tell you the engines are a problem. Fly them correctly and they will make TBO easily.
I have heard of several Duke owners going well past TBO without any problems or needing costly top overhauls.
In conclusion, if you enjoy traveling in style Fly the Duke!
J. Lyle