Aerostar 601P vs Beechcraft Baron B55

Live Market Snapshot

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

Aerostar 601P
For sale now
3
Source marketplaces
1
Model years available
1975–1978
Beechcraft Baron B55
For sale now
41
Median asking
$189,000
Range
$117,900–$402,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
11
Source marketplaces
8
Model years available
1961–1982

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

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Aerostar 601PBeechcraft Baron B55
All events2
Serious0
Fatal2
Fatalities6
% Fatal100%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Aerostar 601P Beechcraft Baron B55
Aerostar 601P
View 3 listings →
Median $350,000
Beechcraft Baron B55
View 41 listings →
Median $189,000
Price Range $129,500 – $385,550 $117,900 – $402,000
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 290 HP 260 HP
Cruise Speed 260 kts (482 km/h) 190 kts (352 km/h)
Range 1,086 nm (2,011 km) 990 nm (1,833 km)
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft (7,620 m) 19,500 ft (5,944 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg)
Useful Load 1,800 lbs (816 kg) 1,750 lbs (794 kg)
Fuel Capacity 136.0 gal (515 L)
Fuel Burn 40.0 GPH (151 L/h) 26.0 GPH (98 L/h)
TBO 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $38,000
Annual Fixed $25,000
Hourly Variable $280
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) 2 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Aerostar 601P

Fuel$220/hr

Beechcraft Baron B55

Fuel$143/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $81,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Aerostar 601P or Beechcraft Baron B55?

Pick the 601P if…

  • Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 190 kts.
  • Longer range — 1086 nm vs 990 nm.

Pick the Baron B55 if…

  • Budget matters — from $117,900 vs $129,500, you save ~$11,600.
  • More inventory — 41 listings vs 3.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Aerostar 601P or Beechcraft Baron B55?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 601P cruises at 260 kts with 1,086 nm range. The Baron B55 cruises at 190 kts with 990 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Aerostar 601P: from $389,500. Beechcraft Baron B55: from $129,900. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aerostar 601P and Beechcraft Baron B55?
Cruise: 260 vs 190 kts. Range: 1086 vs 990 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Baron B55: about $280/hr variable cost. 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?
601P: 6 seats / 1,800 lb useful load. Baron B55: 6 seats / 1,750 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?
Baron B55: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$38,000. 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