The reputation of the Duke and the TSIO 541 engine was
damaged by a many retired USAF jet-jockey desk pilots being
hired by companies to get a "cheap" pilot. The Duke must be
flown carefully and the engine requires proper and gentle
care.

On a Beech 58, the IO 720 would be a more durable
replacement for the more complicated TSIO 520 for those
operations that happen below 10,000 feet.

The conversion to a turbine makes little sense, since the
same cost can get you a good used King Air and a cabin class
aircraft with full approval for ice and IFR.



"Kingfish" wrote in message
oups.com...
|
| Jim wrote:
| If you're flush with cash, there's also the Aztec Nomad
conversion... doors
| on both sides. Not sure how fun docking a low wing
would be.
|
| I've seen a photo of an Aztec on floats. I first thought
it was a
| PhotoShop job but apparently not.
|
|
| If you want the TSIO 541, get a Duke. The Duke flies
very
| well and is as tough as nails.
|
| I've read the 541 engines were quite finicky, as I'd
expect from a high
| horsepower Lyc. in a close cowled airplane. IIRC the same
engine was
| rated at 425hp in the P-Navajo? I think Dukes are
tough looking
| planes; Rocket Engineering in Spokane does PT6A
conversions for Dukes
| (beats an IO-720 IMHO) and had one in the works for a
P-Baron, but
| there's not mention of it on their site.
|