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Beechcraft Baron G58 vs Cessna 172 Skyhawk vs Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair vs Piper M350 vs Piper M500

The Beechcraft Baron G58 is a twin‑engine piston aircraft in the high‑performance personal/business category, typically seating about five to six and offering roughly 900–1,300 nautical miles of range depending on power settings and reserves. The Cessna Skyhawk (172) is a single‑engine piston trainer/personal aircraft, usually carrying four people with about 600–800 nautical miles of range. The Cessna Turbo Stationair (Turbo 206) is a single‑engine turbocharged utility aircraft oriented toward hauling and backcountry work, commonly seating six (often up to seven with configurations) and reaching about 700–1,000 nautical miles. The Piper M350 is a pressurized single‑engine piston aircraft for personal/business travel, typically seating six with around 1,200–1,400 nautical miles of range. The Piper M500 is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop that steps into faster executive travel, generally seating five to six with approximately 1,000–1,300 nautical miles of range. Overall, Skyhawk favors simplicity and training, Turbo Stationair emphasizes useful load and flexibility, Baron adds twin‑engine performance, and the M350/M500 prioritize pressurization and cross‑country capability.

SpecBeechcraft Baron G58Cessna SkyhawkCessna Turbo StationairPiper M350Piper M500
Summary
Cockpit2222
DOC / nm$ 1.72$ 0.95$ 1.08$ 1.34$ 3.11
Total Seats64666
Flight RulesIFRVFRVFRVFRIFR
ManufacturerBeechcraftCessnaCessnaPiperPiper
Aircraft NameBaron G58172 Skyhawk206 Turbo StationairM350M500
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)148064070313431000
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.29$ 0.24$ 0.18$ 0.22$ 0.78
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)145013081698
Standard Cabin Seats4444
Direct Operating Cost$ 347$ 118$ 174$ 285$ 579
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)202124161213260
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $1,495,000 $415,000 $745,000 $1,195,000$2,122,600
Min Crew1
Cabin
Cockpit2222
Total Seats64665
Standard Cabin Seats4444
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.65.5
LavatoryNo
Min Crew1
Galley LocationMID
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8244
Engine
FADECNoNoNoNoNo
ModelIO-550-CIO-360-L2ATIO-540-AJ1ATIO-540-AE2APT6A-42A
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGasAvGasAvGas
TBO (hrs)17002000200020003600
TBO (yrs)12121212
Horsepower300200350350500
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel InjectedFuel InjectedFuel Injected
No. of Engines21111
Fuel Capacity (gal)1944287120170
Flat RatingISA + 55
Dimensions
Length (ft)29.927.228.32929.6
Wingspan (ft)37.936.1364343.2
Cabin Width (ft)3.53.43.64.14.1
Cabin Height (ft)4.244.244
Cabin Length (ft)12.611.912.112.312.3
Overall Height (ft)9.899.411.411.3
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)150165165
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)4630112020
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)13