Beechcraft 58p

Twin Piston

The Beechcraft Baron 58P is a pressurized variant of the venerable Baron 58 twin-engine piston aircraft, introduced in 1976 to bring cabin-class comfort to the light-twin market. Beechcraft added a 5.5 psi pressurization system and twin Continental TSIO-520-L turbocharged engines rated at 310 horsepower each, enabling the 58P to cruise comfortably at altitudes up to 25,000 feet where most unpressurized light twins cannot venture. This capability made it a popular choice for owner-pilots and small charter operators flying over mountainous terrain or seeking to top weather that would ground lower-flying aircraft. The Baron 58P's pressurized cabin seats up to six occupants and offers a cruise speed around 230 knots true airspeed at altitude, combining the efficiency of piston power with the comfort of a light turboprop at a fraction of the acquisition cost. While production ended in the 1980s, the 58P remains a capable cross-country machine for pilots who value pressurization without the operating costs of turbine power. Its complex systems (pressurization, turbochargers, oxygen, and deice equipment) demand careful maintenance and pilot proficiency, but reward operators with genuine high-altitude capability in a piston airframe. SkyMeter has tracked 40 flights across 11 airframes and 11 operators over routes, with HOWELL BOB the largest observed operator.