In 1969, the 601 appeared with a pair of Rajay turbochargers and manually controlled, electrically actuated waste gates on each engine and a max takeoff weight of 5700 pounds. Its ironic that investors in development of the speedy Aerostar sold out to a company called American Cement the same year. The first off the line was the Model 600 in 1968, with normally aspirated Lycoming IO-540 engines and a max takeoff weight of 5500 pounds. All would be built around the same fuselage, wings and tail. Ted Smith, designer of the Twin Commander, Jet Commander and Douglas A-20 bomber, formed his own company in 1963 in Van Nuys, Calif., to design a family of Aerostars ranging from a single-engine trainer to a jet. As one owner put it, An Aerostar is not a conveyance for anyone with tight financial constraints. Theyre difficult to get to know, and they require a great deal of routine and preventive maintenance. The airplanes are not inherently dangerous. The consensus among Aerostar pilots is that, indeed, its necessary to stay well ahead of the airplane, and that proper training is the answer. Aerostars carry the dual distinction of being the fastest production piston twins and of having one of the worst safety records in their class.
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