Beechcraft Baron 55 vs Beechcraft Travel Air

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft Baron 55
For sale now
59
Median asking
$179,000
Range
$93,630–$390,800
Model years available
1961–1990
Beechcraft Travel Air
For sale now
6
Model years available
1958–1964

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Baron 55 Beechcraft Travel Air
Beechcraft Baron 55
View 10 listings →
Median $179,000
Beechcraft Travel Air
View 7 listings →
Median $106,500
Price Range $93,630 – $390,800 $97,265 – $122,450
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 4
Horsepower 260 HP 180 HP
Cruise Speed 190 kts (352 km/h) 180 kts (333 km/h)
Range 1,080 nm (2,000 km) 900 nm (1,667 km)
Service Ceiling 19,700 ft (6,005 m) 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Max Gross Weight 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) 4,100 lbs (1,860 kg)
Useful Load 1,620 lbs (735 kg) 1,300 lbs (590 kg)
Fuel Capacity 142.0 gal (537 L)
Fuel Burn 25.0 GPH (95 L/h) 20.0 GPH (76 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron 55 or Beechcraft Travel Air?

Pick the Baron 55 if…

  • Budget matters — from $93,630 vs $97,265, you save ~$3,635.
  • More seats — 6 vs 4.
  • Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 180 kts.
  • Longer range — 1080 nm vs 900 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1961 vs 1959.
  • More inventory — 10 listings vs 7.

Pick the Travel Air if…

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Beechcraft Baron 55 or Beechcraft Travel Air?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Baron 55 cruises at 190 kts with 1,080 nm range. The Travel Air cruises at 180 kts with 900 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Baron 55: from $45,690. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron 55 and Beechcraft Travel Air?
Travel Air engine: Lycoming O-360-A1A (180 hp). Seats: 6 vs 4. Cruise: 190 vs 180 kts. Range: 1080 vs 900 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Baron 55: 6 seats / 1,620 lb useful load. Travel Air: 4 seats / 1,300 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Travel Air: 1,500-hour TBO. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data