Howard 500 vs Beechcraft Baron B55
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Howard 500 | Beechcraft Baron B55 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $2,500,000 | $53,171 – $486,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 1 | 6 |
| Horsepower | — | 260 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 2 kts (4 km/h) | 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) |
| 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 | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateHoward 500
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: Howard 500 or Beechcraft Baron B55?
Pick the 500 if…
Pick the Baron B55 if…
- Budget matters — from $53,171 vs $2,500,000, you save ~$2,446,829.
- More seats — 6 vs 1.
- Faster cruise — 190 kts vs 2 kts.
- More inventory — 43 listings vs 2.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Howard 500 or Beechcraft Baron B55?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 500 cruises at 2 kts.
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.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Howard 500 and Beechcraft Baron B55?
Seats: 1 vs 6.
Cruise: 2 vs 190 kts.
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?
500: 1 seats.
Baron B55: 6 seats.
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