Beechcraft 58 Baron: A Comprehensive Guide for Buyers and Pilots
The Beechcraft 58 Baron is a twin-engine piston aircraft that has been a popular choice among pilots and aviation enthusiasts for decades. Known for its solid construction, comfortable cabin, and impressive performance, the Baron 58 continues to be a sought-after aircraft in the general aviation market. This article will provide an in-depth look at the Baron 58, its specifications, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against its competitors.
Key Features of the Beechcraft 58 Baron
The Baron 58 is renowned for its:
- Solid and predictable handling
- Good construction quality
- Comfortable cabin with high seating position
- Impressive payload capacity
- Excellent short-field capabilities
Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Beechcraft 58 Baron:
- Seating Capacity: 6
- Length: 29 ft 10 in
- Wingspan: 37 ft 10 in
- Height: 9 ft 6 in
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5,500 lbs
- Cruise Speed: 203 kts
- Range: 1,575 nm
- Service Ceiling: 25,000 ft (pressurized version)
Pros and Cons of the Beechcraft 58 Baron
Pros:
- Excellent handling characteristics
- High payload capacity with full fuel
- Good short-field performance
- Comfortable cabin for long flights
- Relatively fast gear and flap operating speeds
- Good instrument platform for IFR flying
Cons:
- High workload in turbulent conditions due to responsiveness
- Potential control input interference for larger pilots
- Older models may have dated avionics
- Maintenance and parts can be expensive
- Some models have forward CG issues when lightly loaded
Performance Comparison
To better understand how the Beechcraft 58 Baron performs against its competitors, let's compare it to the Piper Seneca V and Cessna 340.
Feature | Beechcraft 58 Baron | Piper Seneca V | Cessna 340 |
---|---|---|---|
Cruise Speed | 203 kts | 197 kts | 229 kts |
Range | 1,575 nm | 828+ nm | 1,406 nm |
Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft | 25,000 ft | 29,800 ft |
Max Takeoff Weight | 5,500 lbs | 4,750 lbs | 5,990 lbs |
Fuel Capacity | 166 gal | 122 gal | 163 gal |
Rate of Climb | 1,700 fpm | 1,462 fpm | 1,650 fpm |
Buying Considerations for the Beechcraft 58 Baron
When considering a Beechcraft 58 Baron for sale, keep these factors in mind:
- Maintenance History: Ensure the aircraft has been well-maintained and all logbooks are up to date.
- Avionics: Check the age and condition of the avionics suite. Newer models or those with recent upgrades may offer more advanced features.
- Engine Condition: The Continental IO-550 engines are reliable, but verify their time since overhaul and overall condition.
- Modifications: Look for valuable upgrades such as vortex generators, which can improve low-speed handling.
- Interior Condition: Assess the cabin's condition and any recent refurbishments.
- Pressurization: Determine if a pressurized model (58P) better suits your flying needs.
Flying the Beechcraft 58 Baron
Pilots praise the Baron 58 for its solid and predictable handling characteristics. It offers light control pressures and high responsiveness, making it a joy to fly. However, this responsiveness can lead to a higher workload in turbulent conditions, especially during instrument flying.
The Baron 58 excels in short-field operations, with many operators commending its capabilities in this area. Its relatively fast gear and flap operating speeds also make it well-suited for high-density traffic areas.
Conclusion
The Beechcraft 58 Baron remains a popular choice for pilots seeking a capable, comfortable, and well-performing twin-engine aircraft. Its combination of solid handling, good payload capacity, and versatile performance make it an excellent option for both personal and business use. While it may have some drawbacks, such as potentially high maintenance costs and dated avionics in older models, the Baron 58's strengths often outweigh these considerations for many buyers.
If you're in the market for a twin-engine piston aircraft, the Beechcraft 58 Baron is certainly worth considering. Its enduring popularity and strong reputation in the aviation community are testaments to its quality and capabilities.