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Beechcraft Baron G58 vs Cessna 172 Skyhawk vs Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair vs Cessna Caravan

The Beechcraft Baron G58 is a high-performance, twin‑engine piston aircraft typically used for fast personal and light business travel. It generally carries about five to six people with useful load depending on equipment, and it offers solid cross‑country range on the order of roughly 800–1,300 nm. The Cessna Skyhawk (172) is a simple, single‑engine piston trainer and personal aircraft. It is usually a four‑seat airplane and is best for shorter trips, commonly around 500–700 nm with reserves. The Cessna Turbo Stationair (T206) is a single‑engine, turbocharged piston utility aircraft oriented to heavier loads and higher‑altitude capability. It typically seats six and often provides midrange cross‑country capability, roughly 600–900 nm depending on power settings and payload. The Cessna Caravan (208/208B) is a single‑engine turboprop built for rugged utility, cargo, and regional transport. It commonly seats nine to fourteen (configuration dependent) and offers practical range roughly around 900–1,200 nm, trading speed for payload and versatility.

SpecBeechcraft Baron G58Cessna SkyhawkCessna Turbo StationairCessna Caravan
Summary
Cockpit2—22
DOC / nm$ 1.72$ 0.95$ 1.08$ 3.07
Total Seats64610
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerBeechcraftCessnaCessnaCessna
Aircraft NameBaron G58172 Skyhawk206 Turbo StationairCaravan
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)14806407031070
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.29$ 0.24$ 0.18$ 0.38
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)1450——3305
Standard Cabin Seats4—48
Direct Operating Cost$ 347$ 118$ 174$ 571
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)202124161186
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $1,495,000 $415,000 $745,000 $2,355,000
Min Crew———1
Max Cabin Seats———9
Cabin
Cockpit2—22
Total Seats64610
Standard Cabin Seats4—48
Lavatory———No
Min Crew———1
Cargo Door———Yes
Max Cabin Seats———9
Cabin Pressure (psi)———Un-Pressurized
Galley / Refreshment———No
Engine
FADECNoNoNoYes
ModelIO-550-CIO-360-L2ATIO-540-AJ1APT6A-114A
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGasAvGas—
TBO (hrs)1700200020003600
TBO (yrs)121212—
Horsepower300200350675
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel InjectedFuel Injected—
No. of Engines2111
Fuel Capacity (gal)1944287—
Flat Rating———ISA + 31
Dimensions
Length (ft)29.927.228.337.6
Wingspan (ft)37.936.13652.1
Cabin Width (ft)3.53.43.65.4
Cabin Height (ft)4.244.24.5
Cabin Length (ft)12.611.912.112.8
Overall Height (ft)9.899.415
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)150———
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)46301132