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The 4 Most Common Misconceptions Keeping Bonanza Owners From Upgrading To a Baron

Posted on July 1, by Todd Peterson

At Elite Air Center, we have helped dozens of Bonanza owners make the move to a Baron. If you are currently a Beechcraft owner, you own an aircraft of quality and good craftsmanship. If you bought a Bonanza, you own a plane that has long been a favorite for single-engine airplane owners - for good reason. For many, it offers a just-right balance of speed, range, payload, and spaciousness.

Still, the Bonanza does have its limitations. While it does just fine over shorter distances in good weather, there are times when a Bonanza isn’t the best choice. If you find yourself making frequent 1,000-mile trips, flying at night, or battling rough weather, you may be in need of an upgrade. Moving up to a plane like a Baron can seem daunting, and there are many misconceptions that we hear about with this plane.

Some owners are concerned about having two engines, others worry that maintenance will be sky-high. Let’s take a look at the four most common myths that keep airplane owners from trading up.

1. Weather: Aircraft owners often choose the Bonanza because of it’s all-around functionality. And in fairly benign weather conditions, it’s the perfect choice. But when adverse weather strikes, getting from point A to point B can become a real problem. While it’s true that even the largest planes get grounded at times, the Baron can fly in conditions that the Bonanza simply can’t handle. In fact, a normally aspirated B55 or 58 can fly through more than 90% of weather conditions, while a turbocharged 58P performs even better. Because the P-Baron can fly at higher altitudes than the others, it is easier to get above or between weather layers.
2. Engines: A common worry among aircraft owners is that twin engines mean double the chances of engine failure. In reality, that’s simply not true and once a Baron exceeds the minimum controllable airspeed, it can handle an engine failure surprisingly well. If you lose one engine, in most cases you can still fly and safely land with just the remaining engine. What’s more, the chances of both engines failing is very small. Except when below Vmca for a few seconds during take-off, an engine failure in a twin is much preferred over a failure in a single-engine plane!
3. Turbulence: After logging many hours in a Bonanza, you may think that getting hammered by turbulence at low altitudes is unavoidable. But in reality, the expanded capabilities of the Baron can greatly reduce the amount of turbulence you experience on each flight. On a hot, humid day the air often smooths out at about 13,000 ft, and a Baron 58 feels right at home at these altitudes. The 58P is even better, with a service ceiling of 25,000 ft and a higher wing loading, which offers greater stability and a more comfortable ride.
4. Maintenance: Finally, what about tales of maintenance nightmares on twin-engine planes? While all planes require maintenance, there’s no reason why maintenance costs should skyrocket in a Baron. That is, of course, if you purchase one that has been thoroughly inspected and well-maintained. Owners who have purchased their Barons through Elite Air Center know that we only sell the highest quality aircraft. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance, your Baron shouldn’t cost you a fortune to keep flying.

While every aircraft owner has reasons for choosing an airplane, it’s important not to let myths and misconceptions hold you back from taking that next important step in aircraft ownership. Now that you know more about what a Baron has to offer, you can confidently make an informed decision on your next aircraft purchase.

If you’d like additional information about buying a Beechcraft, contact us at Elite Air Center. As experienced aircraft brokers, we can help guide you through the purchase process and help you buy the right plane for your needs.

Some of our current Baron's for sale can be found here: http://eliteaircenter.com/aircraft-for-sale/