BeechTalk - BT - What do you guys think of the 700P Aerostar?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Feb 2008, 11:23

Just curious if anyone has had any experience with this airplane- I have heard both sides, that the airplane is the best thing since sliced bread or that it will kill you if you touch it.

Has anyone flown or owned this aircraft? I am looking at it compared to a B58 baron (non-turbo).

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Feb 2008, 12:41

Hi Chandler;

You really aren't comparing apples to apples if you're looking at a 700P and normally aspirated Baron, you know.

I have no time in the Aerostar, but we did a lot of research on them when in the process of upgrading to our P-Baron. The Aerostar is a bit faster than the P-Baron according to our research, and when you talk to people that have a lot of experience with them, they love them. Useful load was the same, from a practical standpoint. The support network for the Baron is far superior in my opinion.

As far as their reputation for 'killing you if you touch it', my research indicates that's an underserved reputation. Any aircraft in that category needs proper training and an attention to flying it. I don't think the Aerostar is any different in that regard.

We spent a lot of time looking at them before deciding on the P-Baron. We've been extremely happy with our choice...YMMV.

Hope that helps,

Cheers,

Greg N58TB KADS

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Feb 2008, 13:44

Aviation Consumer has a nice write-up on the Aerostars.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Feb 2008, 17:44

I have time in a 601P. It would be better comparision to the P Baron then the 700 is. The Aerostar is a very nice flying plane, it climbs great, the cabin is probally bigger than a Barons. It is as wide in the far back as it is in the front. The one I've flown only has 5 seats in it, this makes getting to the far back seats much easier. The cockpit seems tight, but I have done a few three and a half hour legs with no problem. It does a good 210kts in the mid teens, burning about 16GPH per side.

The 700P is an absolute monster. It will out climb and out run a lot of turbine equipment. The mid twenties are an easy climb, and once there 245 knots is an everyday speed burning between 45-55GPH. The problem with the 700 is fuel capacity. If you run it at max power you've only got about four hours of endurance, but some people claim they can get as much as 265kts up high at max cruise power.

Baron 58P vs Aerostar 700

http://www.aerostaraircraft.com/baron.html

Alex.