Plane & Pilot 2017 Buyer's Guide: Piston Twins

Looking for a piston multi? You've come to the right place.

Plane & Pilot

Friday, January 20, 2017 at 08:25 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The multi-engine piston aircraft market, though small, offers diverse options ranging from dedicated flight trainers to high-performance personal and business transportation planes.
Entry-level twins, such as the Tecnam P2006T and Piper Seminole, are predominantly used for flight training, often prioritizing fuel efficiency or simplified operation.
Mid-range models like the Diamond DA42 blend training utility with personal transportation capabilities, frequently featuring modern diesel engines and advanced composite construction for efficiency.
High-end multi-engine pistons, including the Vulcanair Vr, Piper Seneca V, Diamond DA62, and Beechcraft G58 Baron, provide superior speed, payload, advanced avionics, and enhanced comfort for discerning private pilots and business travel.

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Beechcraft G58 Baron

One of the most iconic personal aircraft in GA history, the Beechcraft 58 Baron remains an impressive package nearly 50 years after its first flight. It’s the only Baron that Beechcraft (now a part of Textron Aviation) builds. It’s the high-powered, long-body variant, and its popularity made it a clear choice for Beech when it shelved Models 55/56 decades ago. The 58’s claim to fame is its rear seating, where a wide, easy-entry side door allows passengers to board easily and experience a kind of business seating experience in the expansive club seating area. The Baron earns its keep with tremendous performance. Powered by a pair of Continental IO-550s of 300 hp apiece driving a pair of three-blade Hartzell constant-speed props, it can cruise as fast as 200 knots while carrying a good load. Today’s G58 is equipped with Garmin G1000 flat-panel avionics and safety utilities undreamt up when the Baron first flew.

Niche: Transportation

Base Price: $1.38 million

Competitors: Vulcanair Vr,Piper Seneca V, Diamond DA62

Beechcraft G58 BaronSpecifications

Learn more at Beechcraft.

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