Instead of a G58, consider getting a glass equipped 58P Baron. Likely for less money, you get a much quieter cabin plus pressurization. (I won’t mention A/C, as I think the G58 will have that as well). It’s also a much more comfortable ride for your passengers, especially in turbulence (or perhaps you can get above the turbulence in the flight levels.)

Yes, they’re a bit more expensive to maintain - but you can do a lot of maintenance for the price difference between a G58 and a 58P. Enlist the help of Don Lawrenz, and make sure that your mechanic isn’t afraid to call for advice.

For me, the only downside of a pressurized plane is the yearly insurance-mandated training requirement (either simulator, or you can do it in the airplane.)

I would go with the Cirrus. You're coming up on the age where insurance companies will dictate what you fly. Once you get into your seventies, you'll find insurance companies prefer you fly a fixed gear airplane. A turbo Cirrus will give you a fully-integrated avionics system, 200+ knots, plenty of room, simple maintenance, hypoxia recognition and auto descent, and a parachute if all else (including you) fails. I have plenty of friends who've already made this decision, and it works quite well to extend your flying career.

I will probably sell my twin and get an SR22T in 8 years, when I turn 70.

You could also be reaching the age where you don't give a damn about insurance and you buy the plane you want regardless of any insurance issues.

Mike C.

I’ve checked on Baron / Bonanza insurance and no particular red flags. I’m sure I’ll get flagged as I (hopefully) hit age milestones. Does full coverage vs liability only make any difference?
I’ve asked about liability only and the agents just kind of mumble which I assume means not much interest- at least by the agent.

I’m 71 years old flying an Aerostar 700CR non-pressurized and I have no problem with insurance. Nothing has really changed as far as cost and coverage since I went past 70. I’m also Basic Med.

You could also be reaching the age where you don't give a damn about insurance and you buy the plane you want regardless of any insurance issues.

Mike C.

Have you priced replacement windows for a 58P? Especially the windshield?

Keep in mind that aircraft liability insurance isn't worth much anyway, especially given that most policies these days seem to not be smooth. In other words, a $1,000,000 policy will limit the per claim amount to $100,000. Not much protection at all compared to an auto policy with umbrella coverage.

Keep in mind that aircraft liability insurance isn't worth much anyway, especially given that most policies these days seem to not be smooth. In other words, a $1,000,000 policy will limit the per claim amount to $100,000. Not much protection at all compared to an auto policy with umbrella coverage.[/quote]

Depends. When I had zero multi time I was able to get $1MM with $250K per seat. After 1 year and 100+ hours I got $1MM smooth. Depends on situation and many factors I imagine.

Sort like the question of whether I should be an apple or an orange.

Not exactly.

The $100K sublimit is per occupant, that is, your passengers. For any given incident, that is all the insurance will pay to each one, not per incident. If you injure 3 passengers, then that might be $300K liability coverage in total. Any judgment higher than that comes from you. $100K basically rounds to zero in a liability situation.

The full $1M applies to anything or anyone outside the aircraft. For example, taxiing into a Gulfstream, or crashing into a house. Even $1M in liability coverage is rather skimpy and any serious accident will greatly exceed that mount rather easily.

On my jet, I carry $5M smooth liability. Even that feels small in a serious accident. The first year I had it, my coverage was $1M/$100K like a basic 172 might have. That's essentially no coverage.

Mike C.

Not exactly.

On my jet, I carry $5M smooth liability. Even that feels small in a serious accident. The first year I had it, my coverage was $1M/$100K like a basic 172 might have. That's essentially no coverage.

Mike C.

Even a lawyer billing $500 an hour to run up a $500,000 Bill would be working that case 20 hours a week for over a year. That would be pretty hard to justify. But some of that money can go out to expert consultants, investigators, and such. We carry 10 million smooth on our M600. Still thinking about possibilities, I think that’s even a little light. But that’s about all you can get as an owner pilot flying a small plane, without reaching out to one off excess coverage

Just curious, does it need to be a G58 or could it be an older baron with modern glass? A B55P2 has the space you need, and better performance than a G58 because its so much lighter.

To me a Cirrus vs Baron comes down to how you feel about flying a single. The Cirrus will almost certainly be less expensive and has similar door to door times.

Hi Josef,
I’ve been keeping an eye on the BE55P2. I loved the handling of my F33A which would be largely replicated in the 55. I like the newer flight controls layout which my prior 58TC had. I’m looking for a pretty new airframe. I also like FIKI although I fly conservatively.
Regards,
Bill