Beechcraft Baron G58 vs Cessna 182 Skylane vs Cessna Grand Caravan Ex
The Beechcraft Baron G58 is a twin‑engine piston aircraft typically used for personal and business travel where higher cruise speed and engine redundancy are valued. It generally offers moderate range (roughly 800–1,200 nautical miles depending on power setting, load, and reserves) and usually carries about 4–6 people in comfort. The Cessna Skylane is a single‑engine piston aircraft in a similar personal and utility category but with simpler operating economics and systems. Its range is broadly comparable, often around 700–1,100 nautical miles with typical configurations, and it commonly seats 4, with some configurations allowing up to 6 including smaller rear seats. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop designed for utility, charter, and regional work, prioritizing payload and short/rough‑field capability over speed. Its range is generally in the same broad band (about 800–1,200 nautical miles, mission dependent) but it carries far more people and cargo, typically seating 9–14 passengers depending on interior and regulations.
| Spec | Beechcraft Baron G58 | Cessna Skylane | Cessna Grand Caravan EX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 1.72 | $ 1.01 | $ 3.15 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | VFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Cessna | Cessna |
| Aircraft Name | Baron G58 | 182 Skylane | Grand Caravan EX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1480 | 915 | 964 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.29 | $ 0.25 | $ 0.39 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 1450 | — | 3332 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | — | 8 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 347 | $ 146 | $ 614 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 202 | 145 | 195 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $1,495,000 | $530,000 | $2,695,000 |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | — | 12 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | — | 2 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 4 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | — | 8 |
| Lavatory | — | — | No |
| Min Crew | — | — | 1 |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | — | 12 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | — | Un-Pressurized |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | No |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | No | No | Yes |
| Model | IO-550-C | IO-540-AB1A5 | PT6A-140 |
| Fuel Type | AvGas | AvGas | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 1700 | 2000 | 4000 |
| TBO (yrs) | 12 | 12 | — |
| Horsepower | 300 | 245 | 867 |
| Fuel Delivery | Fuel Injected | Fuel Injected | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 194 | 87 | 335 |
| Flat Rating | — | — | ISA + 24 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 29.9 | 29 | 41.6 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 37.9 | 36 | 52.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 3.5 | 3.5 | 5.4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.6 | 11.2 | 16.8 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 9.8 | 9.4 | 15.1 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 150 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 46 | 32 | 32 |