Beechcraft Baron G58 Review

‍Despite its age, the Beechcraft Baron G58 is as reliable as it is when looking for a small plane with advanced features and above-average performance.

The Beechcraft Baron G58 is well-known for its durability, dependability, and safety record. This aircraft has earned a reputation as one of the best business and pleasure planes due to its advanced avionics, efficient engines, and sturdy construction.

The Baron G58 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and comfortable aircraft. This review will examine the features of the Beechcraft G58, its performance capabilities, and its cost. We will also discuss some of the pros and cons of owning one.

‍Beechcraft Baron G58 Review

The Beechcraft Baron G58 is a high-performance, light, twin-engine, piston-powered aircraft first introduced in 1961. It’s one of the Beechcraft classics and shares many features with the Bonanza.

It has a strong balance of horsepower, comfort, and safety. The interior is spacious for six total passengers, including a pilot. There are also various cargo storage areas for luggage and an aft baggage compartment for optimal comfort and baggage capacity during each flight.

It’s powered by two Teledyne Continental IO-550-C engines, each producing a maximum output of 223.8kW. This six-cylinder, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine is one of the best in its class and will impress with solid speeds and excellent flight control.

But there is much more to the Baron G58. We will do our best to show why this is one of the best small planes and explain each feature in detail below.

Beechcraft Baron G58 Performance

This is a famous light aircraft that offers superior performance features. The reliable engine options, maneuverability, top-end speed, and flight range are why Baron pilots love this plane.

Reliable Engine Options

Two Teledyne Continental IO-550-C engines power the G58. These piston engines work exceptionally well, but some variations are equipped with two Continental IO-520-C engines instead.

It’s also possible to fly this twin with one engine, so if we were to lose the left or right engine we could continue until we had the chance to land.

These six-cylinder engines provide 285 horsepower and excellent flying range. The key is their lightweight design, so the aircraft can remain agile despite the increased stroke and displacement.

Excellent Maneuverability

The maneuverability and handling qualities of the Baron G58 are impressive. It has various power settings, directional control, and micro aerodynamics for an excellent flying experience.

The improved joystick maneuvering is also a key feature and explains why this plane is popular and reviewed well among most pilots. The rock solid handling qualities provided by this plane are second to none.

Above Average Speed & Range

We cannot mention the Beech Baron plane without discussing the speed and flying range. It has a top speed of 256.62 MPH and a maximum cruise speed of 232.45 MPH.

Because it uses more than one engine, it’s also more fuel efficient and has a maximum flying range of 1,703 miles or 1,480 nautical miles. This assumes full fuel levels and the engine reserves are appropriately maintained.

Beechcraft Baron G58 Interior

With a cabin length of 12 feet, 7 inches and a width of 3.5 feet, the interior of the Baron G58 is spacious and comfortable. The cabin has comfortable leather seats, a sophisticated cockpit, and various interior package options.

Configurable and Comfortable

The interior of this plane is comfortable and reconfigurable, with flexible seating options. Seats can be adjusted depending on the number of passengers to optimize passenger comfort.

The club seating arrangement is comfortable with leather seats, stowable tables, USB ports for mobile devices, etc. These features are perfectly designed based on the plane’s cabin width with optional middle seats.

Various Interior Packages

Four primary interior packages exist, including the Camel, Chelsea Grey, Raven, and Speedster designs. The layout is virtually identical, but the upholstery colors vary with each package.

Each interior package is built custom with plenty of baggage space, club seating, rear seats, and with an essentially identical layout.

Soundproofed Cabin

The soundproofing technology in this plane helps reduce noise levels inside the cabin, making it one of the most comfortable planes for passengers. This does an excellent job of ensuring passengers have a peaceful and quiet flight experience.

Beechcraft Baron G58 Exterior

The exterior design incorporates an aerodynamic shape allowing fast cruise speed and fuel economy. The aircraft also has advanced safety systems to ensure maximum performance and dependability.

Some notable exterior features include a semi-monocoque wing construction and two McCauley propellers.

Semi-Monocoque Wing Construction

This plane is made with a semi-monocoque body and wing construction. This fuselage aircraft design uses a substructure for the plane’s skin. On top of the skin are various components like bulkheads, attachment points, stringers, etc.

This design is beneficial because it adds extra support so the reinforced skin can handle the bending stress without folding. It also has added heat resistance because the firewall partition is usually stainless steel.

Two McCauley Propellers

McCauley is one of the world's most famous and reliable propeller manufacturers. They are all FAA-certified, with excellent safety ratings, performance capabilities, and overall flight consistency.

Distinct Exterior Styling

Lastly, we love the distinctive exterior styling and various color schemes and designs available for purchase. The wing area is about 200 square feet, and 35 different color design selections are available to customize it to our liking.

Beechcraft Baron G58 Specifications

Below we have listed some of the key specifications for this plane, including the dimensions, weight, and performance specs.

Aircraft Dimensions

This is a good-sized plane with a full wingspan of 37 feet and 10 inches. It is 29 feet and 10 inches long and 9 feet and 9 inches tall. The overall wing area is 199 square feet.

Aircraft Weight

Here are some key weights and weight limits to remember when analyzing the Baron G58.

• Maximum ramp weight: 5,524 pounds
• Maximum landing weight: 5,400 pounds
• Usable fuel weight: 1,164 pounds
• Empty weight: 3,965 pounds
• Maximum payload: 1,435 pounds

Aircraft Performance

Because of this plane’s various features, it’s rated as one of the best light twins. Pilots and passengers can expect a service ceiling of 20,866 feet; this is the maximum height the plane can sustain the average climb rate.

It also has a takeoff distance of 2,345 feet and a ground roll of approximately 1,373 feet. These performance specs are why it’s also a decent first flight option for pilots.

Beechcraft Baron G58 Avionics

The Garmin G1000 avionics suite, which includes a digital glass cockpit and a variety of sophisticated IFR charts and communication tools, is one of the standout features for pilots.

These advanced flight controls provide excellent flexibility. This advanced display technology is critical for integrated cockpits and allows pilots to gain better control of the flight deck too.

The darkened cockpit is equipped with some of the following features:

• Vertical Situation Display
• Integrated VFR Chart Options
• Integrated Carbon Monoxide Detector
• COM frequency decoding
• Standby instruments
• Glass touchscreen
• Night mode
• Flap switches

The avionics are necessary for optimal flight efficiency, and the advanced features make it easy for pilots who have lost control during a flight. This is one reason this aircraft's accident rate is so low.

What Is The Beechcraft Baron G58’s Maximum Takeoff Weight?

The maximum takeoff weight of the Baron G58 is 5,500  pounds (2,495 kg). This is the maximum weight at which the plane is certified to fly. It considers the aircraft's weight, fuel, crew, passengers, and any other cargo or baggage on board.

While taking off while overweight is possible, it’s not recommended, especially for planes significantly over the weight limit. It can lead to safety concerns and poor speeds or plane control in the air.

It can also be difficult for a pilot to get the plane off the ground on smaller runways. There are scenarios where an aircraft won’t be cleared for takeoff if it is over the maximum takeoff weight limit too.

What Landing Gear Does The Beechcraft Baron G58 Have?

This aircraft has throttle-controlled retractable tricycle landing gear. It has two main gears and a tailwheel, allowing it to operate on paved and unpaved runways.

The main gear comprises tricycle-style assemblies, while the tailwheel is made up of a single wheel. The hydraulic operation of all three wheels allows for smooth takeoffs and landings.

In the event of a hydraulic failure, the landing gear includes an emergency extension system, ensuring that the aircraft can land safely in any situation. The conventional air over oil struts helps with smoother retraction too.

There is also an alternate landing gear system extension for emergencies with a crank system that can be released by hand. This is useful in power failure situations, so there is still a way to access landing gear for an emergency landing.

What Should Pilots Flying The Beechcraft Baron G58 Expect?

This powerful and dependable aircraft offers an enjoyable flying experience for experienced and novice pilots. So what exactly should pilots using this plane expect during their flight?

Pilots can expect a smooth ride thanks to the advanced autopilot system that provides precise aircraft control. They can also expect to benefit from the aircraft's features, such as its powerful engines, large payload capacity, and modern avionics suite.

It is an excellent choice for pilots seeking a dependable, comfortable aircraft with luxurious features. Its comfortable interior design and optional pressurization systems provide excellent visibility for a smooth ride in the cockpit.

How Much Does A Beechcraft Baron G58 Cost?

The combined cost of a Baron G58 depends on several factors, including the plane's age, condition, equipment level, and customization. Below we look at this aircraft's average purchase price, maintenance, and fuel costs.

Purchase Price

It’s not easy to find a brand new model because this is an older plane, but a used one will cost between $750,000 and $1.5 million on average. This price varies based on the plane’s year and overall condition.

For example, newer models built after 2010 usually cost around $1.2 to $1.5 million. Older models in the early 2000s had more flights and miles, costing between $750,000 and $1.0 million.

Maintenance Costs

It's also worth noting that owning and operating an aircraft is more than a one-time purchase. We must budget for routine maintenance, repairs, fuel burn, insurance, and other operating expenses.

The cost of these can vary greatly depending on the aircraft's use and the operating environment, so include them in your budget as well. The average yearly cost for repairs and insurance is around $150,000 for this plane.

Fuel Costs

Based on historical use and estimates, th expected fuel burn is between 27-32 gallons of fuel per hour, assuming the plane is flying at cruising speeds. On average, a plane is flown for about 450-500 hours per year.

Each plane uses different fuel types, but the G58 uses 100LL. The current average price in the United States for 100LL jet fuel is around $7.00. This means this plane's fuel cost per year would be between $85,050 and $112,000.

Many would consider this an expensive airplane when compared to other available aircraft. In total, it would cost roughly $250,000 to maintain this plane and about $1,000,000 to purchase one.

Are Beechcraft Baron G58 Aircrafts Safe?

Many pilots and aviation enthusiasts have used this plane for years.  Despite the plane's older age, it's still commonly used as an owner-pilot plane, and the advanced safety features are why it’s popular for owner-flown flights.

It has a rain and ice protection system to handle cold temperatures and difficult weather conditions. During an 11-year survey, it also rated lower than the average aircraft, with only 4.7 accidents per 100,000 flight hours.

This aircraft is also available in multiple variations with different features. For example, some of them are pressurized models, while others must fly lower and at slower speeds because the cabin is unpressurized.

It also ranks well with a low frequency of service difficulty reports. The American Bonanza Society also uses service and proficiency clinics at about a dozen locations.

Because of the long range tanks, easy to use gear switch, optional wireless flight plan, and various power settings we love this plane’s safety.