AEROSTAR 600 SERIES

Aerostar 600 Series for Sale — The Fastest Piston Twin Ever Built

The Aerostar 600 series carries a distinction that no other piston twin can claim: it is the fastest reciprocating-engine twin-engine aircraft ever certified for civilian use. Designed by the legendary Ted Smith — the same engineer responsible for the Aero Commander — the Aerostar took a completely different design philosophy from his earlier work. Where the Commander was a practical, conventional high-wing utility aircraft, the Aerostar is an aerodynamic tour de force: a low-wing, mid-engine design where both engines are buried in the fuselage rather than mounted in nacelles on the wing, driving propellers through extension shafts. This configuration eliminates the asymmetric thrust problems that affect conventional twin-engine aircraft and delivers a drag profile that produces cruise speeds approaching 200 knots — numbers that light jets of the era found difficult to match.

Aerostar 600 — The Original

The Aerostar 600 is powered by twin Lycoming IO-540 engines mounted in the fuselage, each producing 290 horsepower. The mid-engine configuration keeps the propellers close to the fuselage centerline, minimizing the yawing moment in the event of an engine failure and reducing the critical speed (Vmc) to levels well below those of conventionally-configured twins. The result is an aircraft that handles engine failures more gracefully than any conventional twin, while delivering cruise performance that left conventional twins far behind. The Aerostar 600's all-metal construction, full IFR capability, and six-seat cabin make it a genuinely practical cross-country aircraft despite its exotic configuration.

Who Buys the Aerostar 600?

Aerostar buyers are typically experienced pilots who appreciate the type's unique engineering and are willing to invest in the learning curve that its mid-engine configuration and high cruise speeds require. The Aerostar community is passionate and knowledgeable — type clubs provide excellent resources for owners navigating maintenance challenges on these less common aircraft. For pilots who want the fastest possible piston twin at the lowest possible acquisition cost, the Aerostar 600 remains unmatched.

Find Your Aerostar 600 on Airplane Trade

Browse Aerostar 600 aircraft for sale on Airplane Trade from verified sellers worldwide. Working aircraft and restoration projects available with complete Lycoming engine documentation. Connect with sellers who understand the Aerostar's unique engineering and community.