The Beech 58 Baron is a low-wing five/six-seats twin-engine business and utility aircraft also
used as an advanced pilot training aircraft. Beech Aircraft Corporation introduced in 1960 the
Model 55 Baron as a development of the Model 95 Travel Air with swept tail, more powerful engines,
etc. The prototype Model 55 Baron, N9695R c/n TC-1 initially designated C95A later Model 95-55, was
flown for the first time on 29 February 1960. The Model 95-55 was powered by two 260 hp Continental
IO-470 engines. The Beech 55 Baron was placed in production with the first deliveries following in
November 1960. The initial production model was a four/five-seater. The Model 55 Baron was developed
further and the model 58 Baron was introduced in 1970. The Model 58 Baron has an elongated cabin with
huge cargo doors and was powered by two 285 hp Continental IO-520 engines. Over 2500 Beech Baron's of
all variants are built. On 8 February 1980, the Beech Aircraft Corporation became a subsidiary of the
Raytheon Company, the aircraft are therefore also known as Raytheon Beech.
The 1990-built Beechcraft 58 Baron c/n TH-1609 was registered F-GKZC (F-GIIC ntu) in France with CM-CIC Bail S.A., Paris,
on 27 December 1990. The aircraft was registered with SAMAG, Merville, on 2 June 1994 and cancelled the same day from the register.
On 12 July 1994, the aircraft was registered PH-BYA in the Netherlands with KLM Luchtvaartschool BV, Eelde.
Beech 58 Baron PH-BYA is one of three operated by the KLM Luchtvaart School at Groningen
Airport Eelde in the Netherlands. The KLS was renamed to KLM Flight Academy. A major part
of the flying-program is flown on the simulators at Groningen Airport Eelde instead of on
the real aeroplanes.
Luchtvaart déjà vu
