1981 Beechcraft Baron B55

The Beechcraft Baron 58 is the benchmark owner-flown piston twin — a six-seat, twin-engine aircraft powered by two Continental IO-550-C engines (300 HP each) that cruises at 200 KTAS on 28 GPH. In production from 1970 to present (as the G58 Baron with Garmin G1000), the Baron 58 has been the standard against which all piston twins are measured for over five decades. The Baron combines genuine six-seat utility, twin-engine safety, and performance that exceeds most single-engine retractables. Key variants. The 58 Baron (1970-2005): the classic model with conventional avionics. The 58P/58TC (pressurized and turbocharged variants): added pressurization and high-altitude capability. The G58 Baron (2005-present): current production with Garmin G1000 NXi, Continental IO-550-C engines, and modern interior. Why the Baron 58. The counter-rotating engines (left engine turns clockwise, right counterclockwise) eliminate critical engine considerations — both engines are equal, with no VMC roll tendency on either engine failure. This makes the Baron 58 safer and easier to fly on one engine than almost any other piston twin. The cabin is wide and comfortable with a center aisle and club seating option. Useful load exceeds 1,600 lbs. Buying advice. Twin-engine pre-buy inspections are inherently more extensive. Two Continental IO-550-C engines mean double the overhaul liability — $45,000-$60,000 per engine at TBO (1,700 hours). Two constant-speed propellers require overhaul every 2,000 hours or 72 months ($6,000-$8,000 each). Check for fuel bladder condition, gear actuator and downlock mechanism, prop governor operation, and nacelle corrosion. AD 2019-16-12 (fuel system) applies to certain models. Market. Baron 58 (1980s): $130,000-$220,000. Baron 58 (1990s-2000s): $180,000-$350,000. G58 Baron with G1000: $600,000-$900,000. Baron 58 operating costs run $300-$400/hr all-in. A Beechcraft Baron 58 for sale is the premier owner-flown piston twin — nothing else matches its combination of safety, payload, and prestige.