I first had a flight in a Twotter in 1967 and my first maintenance course on them in 1969. In the ensuing years I have spent a lot of time looking after them in many countries and love them to bits. I know, as does Michael, how much punishment they can be given and still come back for more, and will carry anything which can be put in them with a ferry weight of 17500lb
No, they are not really maintenance friendly but have heaps of character and a presence which cannot be ignored and as such is my favourite aircraft.
The -400 is testament that the original design was functional, and I expect they will be still flying long after I have shuffled my mortal coil as I daresay there is another 50 years of flying in the type yet, maybe as a -500 !!
The ultimate flying utility truck, ugly yet beautiful, and very functional.