My dad was a partner in a c310 C model from 67 to 72, flying charter. Then flew a K and a late Q model (which had the rear window) for a food broker from 74-78. Then an L and a R for a trucking company from 80-82. Then an early Q for a charter fbo from 83-87. He had a lot of 310 hrs.
All through those years, opportunities popped up for me to go along (mostly in the C model). By 70 I was 16 and getting fairly competent with that 310. But I was too focused on other things to pursue a flying career. Farming can take up every bit of a man’s time, and I liked being my own boss.
I have a problem with my eyes, it’s referred to as ocular migraines. It’s a mild condition but once in a while and unexpectedly your vision is impaired by a strange arc of what looks like twinkling gemstones. It cause no damage but if the arc moves to the center of vison you can’t see the instruments at all.. not a good thing to happen at the wrong time flying alone... so no more left seat for me. :-/
I’m partial to twins and particularly the Baron but the 310 is a nice plane too, and neither are too expensive, you can at least imagine buying one... The Aerostar 700 is sweet in its way but having to worm 5 people into a tight space thru the left door is a pain! the later models could do 260 knots...