Baron 55 over the 58?

[Tinstaafl]

I wouldn't consider the 55 a 6 place a/c at all - unless the last two places are occupied by small kids. Even the 58 is squeezy for 6 adults although OK for short-ish trips. They both have considerable payload vs range tradeoffs.

What about other a/c such as PA 23 Aztec, PA60 Aerostar, C310,

PA23 Aztec: Slower than the others ~160-170 kts depending on model but definitely a true 6 place a/c. Even the rear row have 'chairs' instead of 'bum near the floor & knees near your ears' type of things. Excellent payload/range ability. I used to operate one that could take 6 standard adults + full fuel + ~30 kg bags.

PA60-600 Aerostar (with the 30" wingtip extension): Used to fly these with & without the tip mod in Australia. The mod added 250lb to the MTOW & really made it into a useful aircraft at the cost of 5-10 kts cruise speed. Without they're fast but rather P/R limited. Don't know if the tip extension mod is available in the US.

C310: 'R' model, not earlier. More room than a Baron, including the 58 series. Also a lot more baggage room with the long nose + wing lockers.

Otherwise what about a PA31 Navajo (with the VG kit to increase MTOW). Makes it a comfortable 6 place with good range. I'd try for one with wing lockers & crew door.

Similarly there's the C400 series although the spar AD might be a showstopper.

 

[flyinlow67]

I flew freight in an Aztec and it is truely a 6 place aircraft. The Baron 58 is a 3-4 placer with full fuel. Leave some out and the 58 is a very quick, usable AC.
Ours has the winglets and VG's. The VG's are great, the winglets are not. Haven't seen much benefit to the winglets and they do make it harder to land in a crosswind.

 

[Tram]

Thanks for all the replies guys..

Looks like a 6 place bird may not be needed.. We're thinking a 4 place may fit better into what we're looking for.. Not 100% sure yet, but it looks like it..

We had looked at the Aerostar for a bit, not so sure my dad likes it too much, he didn't seem to care for it..

 

[icefr8dawg]

Thanks for all the replies guys..

Looks like a 6 place bird may not be needed.. We're thinking a 4 place may fit better into what we're looking for.. Not 100% sure yet, but it looks like it..

We had looked at the Aerostar for a bit, not so sure my dad likes it too much, he didn't seem to care for it..

Then you can't beat a 55E model for the price/speed, I've seen 190 indicated on a regular basis in the one I fly. It's been mentioned but I'll say it again. If you don't mind going 160-170 you can save a lot of money and have much more payload in an aztec. Did anyone mention that the engines are 2000tbo in the aztec? Despite what some shops will tell you finding parts is not hard and the hydraulic system is annoying but give it to a guy that knows aztecs and you're set. I've owned several, pm me if you want specific costs.

 

[Tram]

Yeh, my dad and I will will have a partner in the bird, we've been partners with in several other aircraft.. They're talking Eclipse Jet in the near future for 135, I guess we'll see..

What we're really looking for after talking to my dad last night is a:

SOLID 4 place, respectably fast.. 160 knots won't work.. We want 190ish type speed..

 

[Tinstaafl]

For a piston then you're looking at an Aerostar 600 without the tip extension, or a 601 or 700 series (even faster). Otherwise an E55 Baron but forget about much use of the R3 seats. Better to remove them & use the baggage space I think.

Can't think of any other piston twin in that speed range. A C421 near optimum altitude perhaps?

Just curious, but why does your dad dislike of the Aerostar? They're quite a pocket rocket & even the R3 pax have proper searts instead of 'bum on floor' reclined seating. Not tolerant of poor technique though and neither are they a short runway a/c. Have to admit that I like them...

 

[capt_zman]

Solid 4 place, 190 kts = 58 Baron

Just a great flying, easily insurable airplane.

 

[icefr8dawg]

I just flew an E55 and found out the owner wants to sell it. It's at Morristown, NJ. This is the one I refered to earlier in the post. Only problem is that it dosn't have wing and windshield de-ice, I'm not even sure if it's plummed for boots. It's got wet props tho. Good thing is it has new engines, like a hundred hours on the engines. Let me know if you want to talk to the owner.