Beechcraft Baron B55 vs Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Beechcraft Baron B55
- For sale now
- 41
- Median asking
- $189,000
- Range
- $117,900–$402,000
- Model years available
- 1961–1982
Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander
No active listings right now.
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) | Beechcraft Baron B55 | Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 1 |
| Fatalities | — | 9 |
| % Fatal | — | 50% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Beechcraft Baron B55 | Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $117,900 – $402,000 | $140,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | — |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | — |
| Range | 990 nm (1,833 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 19,500 ft (5,944 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 136.0 gal (515 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 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 | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft Baron B55
Fuel$143/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft Baron B55 or Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Beechcraft Baron B55: from $129,900.
Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander: from $140,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Baron B55 and Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander?
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?
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