Duke B60 vs PA-23 Aztec F
The Duke B60 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation Duke B60 (introduced 1974) against the Piper Aircraft PA-23 Aztec F (introduced 1976) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. On paper they are closely matched, so the decision usually turns on cabin, economics and availability. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Duke B60 vs PA-23 Aztec F: the key differences
- The Duke B60 delivers 8% more range (Duke B60: 1,080 nm; PA-23 Aztec F: 1,000 nm).
- The Duke B60 delivers 26% more cruise speed (Duke B60: 220 kt; PA-23 Aztec F: 175 kt).
- The Duke B60 and PA-23 Aztec F are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 6 seats.
- The PA-23 Aztec F is the newer design (introduced 1976 versus 1974 for the Duke B60), a gap of 2 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Duke B60 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,775 lbs versus 5,200 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Duke B60 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Duke B60 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PA-23 Aztec F can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
Duke B60 vs PA-23 Aztec F: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Duke B60 or the PA-23 Aztec F?
The Duke B60 has the longer published range — 1,080 nm versus 1,000 nm for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Which is faster, the Duke B60 or the PA-23 Aztec F?
The Duke B60 cruises faster, at 220 kt versus 175 kt for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Which is newer, the Duke B60 or the PA-23 Aztec F?
The PA-23 Aztec F is the newer design, introduced in 1976 versus 1974 for the Duke B60.
Is the Duke B60 or the PA-23 Aztec F the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Duke B60 is the larger aircraft — 6,775 lbs versus 5,200 lbs for the PA-23 Aztec F.
Should I buy the Duke B60 or the PA-23 Aztec F?
On published specifications the Duke B60 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PA-23 Aztec F can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the Duke B60 vs PA-23 Aztec F?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.