The Beechcraft Musketeer: A Hidden Gem for Budget-Conscious Pilots
The Beechcraft Musketeer series, including the Sport, Sundowner, and Sierra models, offers an attractive option for pilots seeking an affordable and comfortable entry-level aircraft. With its spacious cabin and gentle flying characteristics, the Musketeer provides excellent value for both new and experienced aviators.
Key Features
The Musketeer line stands out for several reasons:
- Roomy cabin with excellent visibility
- Stable and predictable flight characteristics
- Simple systems for easy maintenance
- Affordable purchase and operating costs
- Solid construction with a “big airplane” feel
Pros of Owning a Musketeer
- Comfort: Spacious cabin with room for tall pilots
- Handling: Stable in flight with good IFR capabilities
- Maintenance: Simple systems make for affordable upkeep
- Fuel capacity: Large tanks allow for extended range
- Loading flexibility: Wide center of gravity range
Cons to Consider
- Speed: Slower cruise speeds compared to some competitors
- Landing characteristics: Requires precise speed control on approach
- Resale value: May be lower than more popular models
- Availability: Fewer on the market compared to Cessnas or Pipers
- Power: Earlier models underpowered with original engines
Comparison to Competitors
| Feature | Beech Musketeer (C23) | Cessna 172 | Piper Cherokee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | 130 knots | 140 knots | 135 knots |
| Range | 640 nm | 640 nm | 580 nm |
| Useful Load | ~1000 lbs | ~950 lbs | ~950 lbs |
| Cabin Width | 42 inches | 39.5 inches | 40 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 gallons | 40 gallons | 50 gallons |
Is the Musketeer Right for You?
The Beechcraft Musketeer shines as a comfortable, stable, and affordable aircraft for pilots who prioritize cabin space and docile handling over top speed. Its lower cruise speeds are offset by excellent fuel capacity, making it a capable cross-country machine. For time-building or leisurely flying, the Musketeer offers a pleasant experience with its roomy interior and forgiving nature. It's particularly well-suited for taller pilots who may find other entry-level aircraft cramped. Prospective buyers should be aware of the Musketeer's unique landing characteristics, which demand precise speed control but reward pilots with smooth touchdowns when properly managed. While not as numerous on the used market as some competitors, well-maintained Musketeers can represent excellent value. With proper care, these aircraft continue to deliver reliable service decades after their production ended. For those seeking a comfortable, capable, and cost-effective aircraft with a touch of Beechcraft quality, the Musketeer deserves serious consideration. Its combination of space, stability, and affordability make it a hidden gem in the used aircraft market.
Variants
Beech 23 Musketeer (1963) Serial Numbers M-1, M-2, M-4 through M-554
Four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 160 hp (119 kW) Lycoming O-320-D2B (1500 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,300 lb (1,043 kg), first certified February 20, 1962.
Beech A23 Musketeer II (1965) Serial Numbers M-3, M-555 through M-900
Four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 165 hp (123 kW) Continental IO-346-A (1500 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,350 lb (1,066 kg), first certified June 7, 1963.
Beech A23A Musketeer (1966-1968) Serial Numbers M-901 through M-1094
Four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 165 hp (123 kW) Continental IO-346-A (1500 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,400 lb (1,089 kg), first certified November 5, 1965.
Beech A23-19 (Beech 19 Sport) (1966-1967) Serial Numbers MB-1 through MB-288
Two or four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 150 hp (112 kW) O-320-E2C (2000 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,200 lb (998 kg), first certified December 9, 1965.
Beech A23-24 (Beech Musketeer 24) (1966-1969) Serial Numbers MA-1 through MA-363
Four or six-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 200 hp (149 kW) Lycoming IO-360-A2B6 (2000 TBO), or when equipped with a constant speed propeller a Lycoming IO-360-A1B or A1D piston engine, gross weight of 2,550 lb (1,157 kg), first certified March 7, 1966.
Beech A24 (Beech Musketeer 24) (1970) Serial Numbers MA-364-368
Four or six-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 200 hp (149 kW) Lycoming IO-360-A2B6 (2000 TBO), or when equipped with a constant speed propeller a Lycoming IO-360-A1B or A1D piston engine, gross weight of 2,550 lb (1,157 kg), first certified February 5, 1970.
Beech 19A (Beech Sport 19 A) (1968-1969) Serial Numbers MB-289 through MB-460
Two or four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 150 hp (112 kW) Lycoming O-320-E2C (2000 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,250 lb (1,021 kg), first certified August 31, 1967, approved in the aerobatic category March 12, 1968.
Beech M19A (Beech Sport 19) (1969) Serial Numbers MB-461 through MB480
Two-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 150 hp (112 kW) Lycoming O-320-E2C (2000 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,250 lb (1,021 kg), first certified December 9, 1969, including in the aerobatic category.
Beech B19 (Beech Sport 19 B) (1970-1978) Serial Numbers MB-481 through MB-905
Two or four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 150 hp Lycoming O-320-E2C (2000 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,250 lb (1,021 kg), first certified February 13, 1970, including in the aerobatic category.
Beech B23 (Beech Musketeer / Sundowner 23 B) (1968-1969) Serial Numbers M-1095 through M-1284
Four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a Lycoming 180 hp O-360-A4J/A4K (2000 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,450 lb, first certified December 13, 1967 and in the aerobatic category November 22, 1968.
Beech C23 (Beech Musketeer / Sundowner 23 C) (1970-1983) Serial Numbers M1285 through M2392
Four-seat light cabin aircraft, fixed tricycle landing gear, powered by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360-A4J/A4K (2000 TBO) piston engine, gross weight of 2,450 lb, first certified February 13, 1970 including in the aerobatic category.
