Beechcraft E55 Baron: A Comprehensive Guide for Buyers
The Beechcraft E55 Baron is a popular twin-engine piston aircraft that offers an excellent combination of performance, comfort, and versatility. This guide examines the E55 Baron through its production years and compares it to competitors to help prospective buyers make an informed decision.
E55 Baron Production History
The E55 Baron was introduced in 1970 as an upgrade to previous Baron models. It remained in production until 1982, with a total of 433 aircraft built. Key features of the E55 Baron include:
- Two Continental IO-520-C engines producing 285 hp each
- Seating for 4-6 passengers
- Maximum speed of 201 knots
- Range of up to 780 nautical miles
- Useful load of 1,800 lbs
Performance and Capabilities
The E55 Baron offers impressive performance for a light twin-engine aircraft:
- Cruise speed of 195 knots at 75% power
- Service ceiling of 19,700 feet
- Rate of climb of 1,693 feet per minute
- Takeoff distance of 1,800 feet
With its speed and range, the E55 Baron is well-suited for both business and personal travel. The aircraft can comfortably carry 4-5 passengers on trips of 500+ nautical miles.
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Interior and Comfort
The E55 Baron features a spacious cabin for its class:
- Cabin length: 9 ft 8 in
- Cabin width: 3 ft 6 in
- Cabin height: 4 ft 1 in
The cabin offers ample headroom and comfortable seating for passengers. Later model years saw interior upgrades and improved soundproofing.
Avionics and Equipment
E55 Barons typically came equipped with:
- Dual nav/comm radios
- ADF
- Transponder
- Autopilot
Many E55s have been upgraded over the years with modern avionics like GPS and weather radar. When shopping for an E55, pay close attention to the avionics package and any recent upgrades.
Comparison to Competitors
The E55 Baron's main competitors include:
- Cessna 310: Similar performance, but smaller cabin
- Piper Seneca: Lower cruise speed, less expensive to operate
- Beechcraft 58 Baron: Larger cabin, higher useful load
Compared to single-engine aircraft like the Bonanza, the E55 offers better performance and redundancy at the cost of higher fuel burn and maintenance expenses.
Buying Considerations
When evaluating an E55 Baron for purchase, key factors to consider include:
- Total time on airframe and engines
- Maintenance history and records
- Avionics upgrades
- Modifications like long-range fuel tanks
- Corrosion inspection results
- Cost of upcoming maintenance items
A well-maintained E55 Baron from the mid-1970s typically sells for $160,000-$220,000. Later model years command higher prices but often feature better equipment.
Operating Costs
Prospective buyers should budget for higher operating costs compared to single-engine aircraft:
- Fuel burn: ~31 gallons per hour at 75% power
- Annual inspection: $2,700+
- Engine overhauls: $30,000+ per engine
- Insurance: $3,500+ annually
While more expensive to operate than a single, the E55 Baron offers excellent capability and redundancy for the cost.
Conclusion
The Beechcraft E55 Baron remains a capable and desirable twin-engine aircraft over 40 years after production ended. For buyers seeking a fast, comfortable, and versatile piston twin, the E55 Baron deserves strong consideration. Its combination of performance, range, and cabin space make it well-suited for both business and personal use.
