All the way down to the basic Musketeer, Beech just took pains to get its airplanes’ flying manners a cut above everything else, and that applies in spades to the Baron series. Fly most any Beechcraft model and you will likely come away impressed with its sturdy feel, solid build and, especially, its satisfying handling. Even so, every aircraft company has to make compromises. In the 55 Baron, for instance, what many find to be pleasant handling characteristics can prove to be a handful in poor weather, or when the air turns green with turbulence. We shouldn’t have to reiterate that nothing comes for free, particularly in a higher-end Beech.
Maintenance shops will smile when you roll up in a Baron so, yes, this airplane is far from cheap to own or operate. The bright side is a perennially soft market for piston twins means a Baron may not be ruinously expensive to acquire, although since we looked at the market last, used market prices are clearly on the rise. There are still some used-market bargains for Model 55s-also known as the “baby Baron.” Older Baron models are often priced lower than older Bonanza models, but as we’ve witnessed firsthand, engine and vintage autopilot repairs could eat the savings in the long run.