Aircraft overview

The Beechcraft Baron 55 is a piston twin produced by Beech Aircraft Corporation as the shorter fuselage member of the Baron family. The original Model 95-55 entered production in 1961, with Baron 55 production continuing through 1983 across A55, B55, C55, D55 and E55 versions. It was developed from the Travel Air and Bonanza lineage, combining retractable landing gear, conventional twin engine redundancy and Beechcraft handling qualities in a light business and personal transport aircraft. For used aircraft buyers, the Baron 55 matters because it remains one of the benchmark six seat piston twins, widely supported and familiar to maintenance shops.

Performance & specifications

Performance varies by variant and engine, but a well maintained Baron 55 typically cruises in the high 180 knot to low 200 knot range. Practical range is commonly around 700 to 900 nautical miles with reserves, depending on fuel capacity, power setting and payload. Useful load is often in the 1,500 to 1,700 lb range, although individual aircraft equipment and modifications can change this materially. Service ceiling is generally around 18,000 to 20,000 feet. Most B55 aircraft use two Continental IO-470-L engines rated at 260 hp each, while later E55 models use Continental IO-520-C engines rated at 285 hp each.

Cabin & avionics

The Baron 55 normally seats up to six, with club style or forward facing rear cabin arrangements depending on configuration. The cabin is narrower and shorter than the later Baron 58, so buyers comparing the two should assess rear seat access, baggage needs and mission length carefully. Factory avionics were conventional analog systems, and no Baron 55 was delivered with modern integrated glass such as Garmin Perspective or G1000. Current aircraft may have retrofit Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G500 or G600 displays, Aspen units, engine monitors, ADS-B equipment and upgraded autopilots.

Buying & value

Condition, maintenance history and engine status are central to Baron 55 value. Buyers should review corrosion inspections, landing gear rigging, fuel system condition, spar and airframe service bulletins, propeller times, engine compressions and avionics documentation. The B55 is the most common reference point, while the E55 offers higher power and typically stronger performance. Common upgrades include modern navigators, engine monitors, speed mods, interior refurbishments and paint. In the used market, the Beechcraft Baron 55 usually positions below newer Baron 58 models while offering similar twin engine utility. PlaneFox listing data currently shows an average asking price of about EUR 162,000, with observed asking prices from roughly EUR 40,000 to EUR 341,000.