Username Protected wrote:
Hello everyone. I just joined Beech Talk. I’ve been flying for 19 years. I’ve never owned a plane - but with nearly 800 hours renting Piper Cherokees, Piper Arrows and occasionally a Beechcraft Duchess, I’m chopping at the bit. I was really going down the path of buying a Piper Saratoga. I recently flew a gorgeous 2005 Saratoga and I was shocked to discover the pilot seat was cramped, the controls felt heavy and the visibility (while turning and scanning for traffic) was limited - unlike my experiences flying the Arrow. I just couldn’t commit to buying it. I then flew a Cirrus SR22. Very nice. I thought about a Piper Seneca but I don’t want to deal with the turbos - they’re all turbo equipped.
I love the look of the Baron 58 - 1984 and newer - but geez…. 32 GPH?
I’m told the Baron is rock solid. How’s the maintenance and reliability ?
I’d love to hear your feedback.
Well to start with, you can fly a IO550 powered B58 on a lot less than 32 GPH. I fly a booted IO520 powered B55 with VGs (clean wing 55s are a few knots faster) and mine will do 180 KTAS on 23 GPH (or less if I'm willing to stick hoses up my nose).
IIRC a late model 58 can be flown at 180 KTAS on 25-26 GPH in the 8000-11100 MSL range if operated LOP.
WRT maint and reliability, Barons don't require much more maintenance dollars than similarly equipped Bonanzas except that like any twin, the engine budget is doubled.
It is true that the cost of parts from Beech can be breathtaking but if you're willing to put in a little effort you can usually find more reasonably priced alternatives and these airplanes do have a well deserved reputation for robustness so you don't often need those expensive parts. The best news is that parts are generally available, new from Beech, new from aftermarket suppliers, and used from salvage yards.
Another attraction is that Barons are a delight to fly. They're fairly stable but also relatively light on the controls.
P.S. Welcome to BeechTalk, the most civilized pilot's forum on the internet.