Beechcraft Baron B55 vs De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide
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
De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1944–1944
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 B55 | De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $117,900 – $402,000 | — |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 260 HP | 200 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 190 kts (352 km/h) | 132 kts (244 km/h) |
| Range | 990 nm (1,833 km) | 500 nm (926 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 19,500 ft (5,944 m) | 16,500 ft (5,029 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,750 lbs (794 kg) | 1,800 lbs (816 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 136.0 gal (515 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 26.0 GPH (98 L/h) | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $38,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $25,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $280 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 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
De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide
Fuel$154/hr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Baron B55 or De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide?
Pick the Baron B55 if…
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 132 kts.
- Longer range — 990 nm vs 500 nm.
- More inventory — 43 listings vs 1.
Pick the DH-89A Dragon Rapide if…
- More seats — 8 vs 6.
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 B55 or De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Baron B55 cruises at 190 kts with 990 nm range.
The DH-89A Dragon Rapide cruises at 132 kts with 500 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
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 Beechcraft Baron B55 and De Havilland DH-89A Dragon Rapide?
DH-89A Dragon Rapide engine: De Havilland Gipsy Six (200 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 8.
Cruise: 190 vs 132 kts.
Range: 990 vs 500 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?
Baron B55: 6 seats / 1,750 lb useful load.
DH-89A Dragon Rapide: 8 seats / 1,800 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