ICAO BE58

Beechcraft Baron

Beechcraft

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Versatile twin-engine piston aircraft for general aviation.

First flight

1961

Category

Piston twin light aircraft

Seating

4–6

Range

1,700 km

Engines

Two Continental IO-550-C flat-six piston engines

Status

In production

The Beechcraft Baron is a twin-engine piston aircraft produced by Beechcraft, now a subsidiary of Textron Aviation. Introduced in 1961, it was derived from the Beechcraft Travel Air and has become one of the most successful and enduring light twin-engine aircraft in general aviation history. The Baron 58, designated BE58 under ICAO codes, is the most widely produced variant and features a stretched fuselage compared to earlier models, accommodating up to six occupants. It is widely used for personal transportation, air taxi operations, flight training, and charter services. The aircraft is powered by two Continental or Lycoming piston engines and is known for its reliability, handling characteristics, and performance. It has remained in production for over six decades, a testament to its enduring design.

Notable operators

The Baron is primarily operated by private owners, flight schools, air taxi operators, and charter companies worldwide rather than scheduled airlines.

Notable facts

›The Baron 58 first flew in 1969 as a stretched development of the Baron 55.
›Derived from the Beechcraft Travel Air, which was itself based on the Bonanza airframe.
›Has been in continuous production since 1961, making it one of aviation's longest-running designs.
›Used extensively for instrument flight training due to its multi-engine capability and docile handling.
›Various military and government agencies have operated Baron variants for liaison and surveillance roles.