Some insist it began production as the world’s largest, flying sweet potato and evolved into Snoopy crouching as he waited for his supper. The original PA-23, the Apache, seemed almost round and had such modest powerplants that single-engine operation could be hazardous ... just like other twins with small engines. The last versions, the Aztec series, by contrast, are capable load-haulers with very good short-field performance.

The Apache is largely relegated to the training function for those looking for cheap-to-fly time builder but the Aztec remains one of general aviation’s stalwart twins and although it has high operating costs, it can be bought relatively cheaply. …