Piper Seminole vs Beechcraft Duchess
The Piper Seminole (PA-44) and Beechcraft Duchess (BE-76) are the classic light twin-engine trainers — both four-seat, counter-rotating-prop trainers built to teach multi-engine flying economically.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- For sale now
- 5
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 1
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1978–2023
- For sale now
- 2
- Source marketplaces
- 2
- Model years available
- 1976–1979
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Seminole | Beechcraft Duchess |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $153,780 – $350,178 | $150,750 – $164,250 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 4 |
| Horsepower | — | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 162 kts (300 km/h) | 140 kts (259 km/h) |
| Range | 915 nm (1,695 km) | 780 nm (1,445 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,800 lbs (1,724 kg) | 3,900 lbs (1,769 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,000 lbs (454 kg) |
| TBO | — | 2,000 hrs |
| Engines | — | 2 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Piper Seminole or Beechcraft Duchess?
Bottom line: Choose the Seminole for the larger active training fleet, current production and strong parts support — the multi-engine trainer standard. Choose the Duchess for typically lower acquisition cost when a sound airframe and parts availability check out.
Pick the Seminole if…
- Faster cruise — 162 kts vs 140 kts.
- Longer range — 915 nm vs 780 nm.
- More inventory — 5 listings vs 2.
Pick the Duchess if…
- Budget matters — from $150,750 vs $153,780, you save ~$3,030.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.