Originally Posted by
exerauflyboy5
Anyone flown the Aztec? Im just lookin for some performance specs, flying characteristics, and trying to find out the typical crusing speed.
Nicknamed the Aztruck for its honest, truck like handling and ability to carry a good payload.
Great airplane. Pretty much in the same class as the Baron and Cessna 310. Typically 250 HP per side, 6 seats, and a lot of room for baggage. My first few hours of hands on twin time were in an E model Aztruck.
Like its smaller predecessor, the Apache, the Az basically used the planform and shape of a piper cub's wing. This did two notable things: It made the airplane a great performer in terms of getting off the deck and made it too dirty to yield high cruise speeds. Take it from me, the Aztec is dirty well before you touch the gear or flaps.
I don't remember the exact numbers...but I think I remember seeing about 165-180 mph in cruise depending on conditions and power settings.
Respectable single engine performer. My last flight in an Aztec finished with a true single engine landing...we lost the nitrogen charge in the propdome and suffered a runaway propeller.