Beechcraft 95 Travel Air

Twin Piston· 262 globally registered

The Beechcraft Travel Air, introduced in 1956, was the company's first light twin-engine aircraft designed for the owner-pilot market. Built as a more affordable alternative to the Twin Bonanza, the Travel Air combined the fuselage of the Bonanza single with a new wing mounting two 180-horsepower Lycoming engines. It seated four to five occupants and offered genuine twin-engine safety and performance at a price point accessible to successful professionals and small charter operators. The type proved popular enough that Beechcraft produced over 700 examples through 1968, and the design directly evolved into the Baron line that remains in production today. The Travel Air's operating envelope reflected its role as a capable cross-country cruiser: it climbed at around 1,200 feet per minute, cruised at 180 knots true airspeed at altitude, and could reach a service ceiling near 20,000 feet. Single-engine performance was modest but adequate, with a single-engine ceiling around 6,800 feet at gross weight. The aircraft's relatively low stall speeds and docile handling made it a popular trainer for multi-engine ratings, though pilots transitioning from singles had to respect its higher approach speeds and the need for proper engine-out procedures. Today the Travel Air remains a fixture of general aviation, valued for its rugged construction, parts commonality with the Baron family, and straightforward systems. Many examples have been upgraded with modern avionics and improved interiors, extending their utility well into the 21st century. SkyMeter has tracked 529 flights across 184 airframes and 178 operators, with SANDERS AVIATION INC the largest observed operator.