Page 21 - Volume 16 Number 12

Eventyears of the production run (1978 to 1982) was none other than John Piper, grandson of William T. The first delivery was in August of 1968 and 596 Dukes were made. Three hundred and eighty six Dukes remain registered in the U.S. and another 50 or so are overseas, mostly in Germany, a country well-known for its appreciation of engineering excellence. Three models were built throughout its production run: the straight 60, the A60, and the B60. Many of the improvements in later models, with the exception of cabin size changes, have been retrofitted to the older models through the use of the newer engine and some airframe additions and modifications. Having owned a Duke for 37 years, Jim and Marge Gorman bought the last one and have since sold it to their son, Jeff. Jim has published the DukeBob Hoffman, Duke guru, presenting operating tips.Flyers Newsletter since 1988 and, coincidentally, the upcoming newsletter will be his last after a 24-year run. Many thanks to Jim Gorman for his dedication to Duke owners and pilots.True GritThe model name has extra-manly connotations, thanks in part to an entertainment legend, The Duke – John Wayne. Remember, he not only performed as some great cowboy heros, such as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit, but a couple of aviation greats as well, in the movies Flying Leathernecks and Flying Tigers. The Duke carries six people in the mid-20s, all in pressurized, air conditioned, radar equipped comfort—also very manly. Beechcraft executives intentionally advanced the manly image in their advertising as well. An original print ad pictured a Duke taxiing behind the follow-me at an FBO. The headline read: “This is the only time your pressurized Duke will play follow-the-leader.” Another said: “A special airplane for a special kind of man.” And yet another: “This adventure classic is not for everyone.” Beech was obviously promoting exclusivity and targeting the upwardly mobile, trend-setting leader – a plane for the man who knows who he is! Today, we would not fall for such propaganda and bravado... or would we? Have facts and figures, political correctness, balance sheets, andBeech Dukes lined up on the Brunswick, Maine, ramp.DECEMBER 2012TWIN & TURBINE • 19