Multi-Engine Time Building in the Beechcraft Duchess: Why Ours Stands Out

    Counter-rotating props, wet rates from $160 an hour, and two Duchess twins on the line — multi-engine time building done right.

    Overview

    Why the Beechcraft Duchess Is the Ideal Time Building Twin

    The Beechcraft BE-76 Duchess is one of the most widely used multi-engine trainers in the world — and for good reason. Its counter-rotating propellers eliminate the critical engine, making single-engine work more forgiving while still teaching real multi-engine aerodynamics.

    Because airlines and corporate operators fly twins, multi-engine PIC time carries outsized weight in your logbook. Building it in an aircraft type used by training programs worldwide makes that time immediately recognizable to recruiters.

    Section 2

    Two Duchesses on the Line at KFXE

    We operate two Beechcraft Duchess twins — N6042F and N137AS — backed by our in-house maintenance team at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Two airframes means scheduling redundancy: when one is down for inspection, your program does not stop.

    Our Piper Seneca rounds out the twin fleet for pilots who want additional multi-engine variety in their logbook.

    Section 3

    Multi-Engine Wet Rates From $160 per Hour

    Multi-engine time building starts at $200 per hour wet and drops with package size: $190 at 10 hours, $180 at 50 hours, $174 at 300 hours, down to $160 per hour at the 1,500-hour tier. Compare that to typical rates of $220 or more per hour — before surcharges.

    On a 100-hour multi-engine block, that is a savings of roughly $4,200 against typical school pricing. Every rate includes fuel and is billed on the Hobbs meter.

    Section 4

    Why Build Multi-Engine Time in South Florida

    More than 300 VFR days per year mean your multi-engine program finishes on schedule instead of slipping week after week to weather. And flying twins out of KFXE puts you in busy, real-world airspace — Miami Approach, Class B and C corridors, and coastal cross-countries toward the Keys and up the Atlantic coast.

    Section 5

    Shared Multi-Engine Time Building

    Just like our single-engine program, multi-engine time building can be flown shared: one pilot under simulated instrument conditions, the other as safety pilot, both logging PIC time under FAA rules. It is the most cost-effective way to build twin time anywhere we know of.

    Best Rates in Time Building

    Our Rates Vs Other Operators

    Multi Engine Pricing

    Cost / HourDaysTotal CostOther Operators
    Regular Rate – $200/hr$200$220/hr+
    10 Hours – $190/hr1 Day$1,900$220/hr+
    50 Hours – $180/hr5 Days$9,000$220/hr+
    100 Hours – $178/hr10 Days$17,800$220/hr+
    200 Hours – $176/hr20 Days$35,200$220/hr+
    300 Hours – $174/hr30 Days$52,200$220/hr+
    500 Hours – $170/hr50 Days$85,000$220/hr+
    1000 Hours – $165/hr100 Days$165,000$220/hr+
    1500 Hours – $160/hr150 Days$240,000$220/hr+
    Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What aircraft do you use for multi-engine time building?

    Two Beechcraft BE-76 Duchess twins (N6042F and N137AS) with counter-rotating propellers, plus a Piper Seneca for pilots who want additional twin variety.

    Why does the Duchess have counter-rotating propellers?

    The Duchess's engines rotate in opposite directions, eliminating the critical engine and making single-engine handling more docile — one reason it is the world's most popular multi-engine trainer.

    How much does multi-engine time building cost at MFT?

    Wet rates from $200/hr drop to $160/hr on larger packages. A 100-hour block costs $17,800 all-in, with fuel included and no hidden fees.

    Can two pilots log PIC time in the Duchess?

    Yes. With one pilot flying under simulated instrument conditions and the other acting as safety pilot, both can log PIC time under FAA regulations.

    Book Your Multi-Engine Time Building — Apply Now

    Keep reading: time building at KFXE, current hourly rates and program pricing, our aircraft fleet, the Airline Pilot Program, or the pilot training blog.