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practicality taken us to the point that we are unwilling to indulge our chest-thumping passions? Besides, what if the propaganda is actually true? Well, we all know of at least one airline pilot/writer who found it to be so.Just the Facts, Ma’amPilots, male pilots especially, are influenced not only by performance and manufacturing quality, but by aesthetics, and not just that of airplanes: boats, motorcycles, cars, guns, ladies, lawnmowers – heck, everything. One of the original design goals for this new Beech was to offer a medium twin with a swept empennage. When you combine a sleek nose and large engine nacelles with a sweeping tail, you get the marvelous Duke profile. You must agree: Beech got this one very right. To find oneself in an aesthetic trance over an airplane with lines such as the Duke is, therefore, quite logical. Let us stop then for a moment, leaving our school boy grinning and giddiness over the look and sound of the machine, and discuss the facts, like Sergeant Joe Friday. Here are some common myths and folklore that are no longer accurate.The most persistent, and expensive, problem faced by Duke owners was no joking matter: cam and lifter scaling in the 380-hp TIO- 541-E1C4 Lycoming. This issue was originally thought to be caused by everything from infrequent use to inadequate oil filtering and delivery to bad steel. The camshaft design and manufacturing process had never changed, so focus shifted to the lifters that were manufactured by Eaton. When Eaton moved production to Europe, the problem began and persisted. After Eaton was unwilling or unable to resolve the issue, two Duke Flyers members, Jerry Burnham and Gary Bongard, took it upon themselves to design and get approval for carbide tipped lifters. Adding engine pre-oilers from Oil-a-matic was the icing on the cake, and the problem was gone.Pilots N Pawsis an online meetingplace for pilots andother volunteerswho help to transport rescue animals by air. The mission of the site is to provide a user- friendly communication venue between those that rescue, shelter, and foster animals; and pilots and plane owners willing to assist with the transportation of these animals.A general aviation transportrequires just one pilot volunteerand is far more efficient and dependable than time-consuming ground transportation for these animals who are often in danger of euthanization. Volunteer pilots retain complete authority of their planning and flights, and can give as much or as little time as they like.SIMPLE AS 1-2-3No bothersome paperwork required!If you love to fly, and you love animals, please join us now! It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s extremely rewarding.Joining is easy and takes just a minute of your time.1. Go to www.pilotsnpaws.organd register2. Post your information and readother posts3. Wait for contacts / makecontact with otherswww.pilotsnpaws.orgAdWHY JOIN THE PILOTS N PAWS NETWORK?• Enjoy flying while helping a worthwhile non-profit organization• Flights are tax-deductible 501c3• Expand your network of pilot/aviationcontacts and other professionals• Gain flight experience and log more hours• Explore new geographical areas• An extremely rewarding experience every timePilots N Paws20 • TWIN & TURBINEDECEMBER 2012