I realize this is a very old post. I got my initial multi engine training in the twin commanche, I think it's a PA-30. If I remember correctly, the counter rotating prop variation is the PA-39. In my opinion, the twin commanche is an excellent airplane. I'm not sure how late they built them but ours was a 1964 model. It only burns about 17 gph total at about 160 kts. That's very effecient for a twin. Ours was equipped with a STOL kit that raised the gross weight from 3600 lbs to 3800 lbs. It accomplished this in part by adding a cuff to the leading edge of the wing which had one disadvantage, it slowed cruise speed by about 10 kts. The up side was that you could fill the tanks and put four 200 lb people in there and still be under gross weight. Another side effect to the STOL kit, now that I think back, was that it would lift off at least 5 kts below Vmc. If you tried to hold it on the ground it would "wheel barrow" up on the nose wheel, not a good thing. What we did was just let it take off when it wanted to and held it very low to the runway until achieving some higher speed before climbing away. The flap system is not a strong point in the system, in my opinion. Only one flap is electrically powered (I can't remember which one), and the other is connected to the powered one via a bungee cord. I had two instances of asymetric flap extension which will really get your attention. Just make sure you keep your hand on the flap control until the flaps are "both" where you want them to be. I really enjoyed that airplane though, it had the elevator trim (manual) mounted over you head, that sounds weird but it actually seemed quite natural once you get used to it.