Tips for first airplane ownership experience being a Baron

Having owned a Baron 58TC, I would suggest that you tally up the maximum weight you would be carrying in the scenario you described. Then figure the distance you want to fly without refueling. Based on the normal consumption of 30 gallons per hour and 175-185 knots (based on your purchase), figure out if either one will do the trick. 55's normally hold around 136 gallons, and 58's a little more, depending on options. I like the 58 because of the extra room, but I'd certainly own a 55 if the right one came along.

Most flights will be with three people (including me), flying about 400nm give or take. Six seats would be great but not a deal-breaker. Total weight of people plus bags around 600 lbs or less.

I'd prefer a E55 or D55, but a nice B55 would be considered as well. Most 58s of similar vintage have a premium added for the extra seats, so I'd have to decide if the extra cost is worth having the ability to carry two more people.

First airplane? I’d consider the externals you’re going to need…hangar, shop, cost of insurance (are you insurable?)….up front. Hopefully, those aren’t hard to come by but you certainly don’t want to be scratching your head after a purchase.

Perhaps download the Baron Performance app and run a few scenarios for your various missions.

I'd hope I'm insurable...10+ hours in Barons, 8900 hours of multi time to include turboprops, ATP, etc. I asked for an insurance quote for an E55 and they came back with about 4.5k for a million smooth. The airport I'll likely base out of has a community hangar that will store it for $250/month until I get around to building my own hangar, or buy one of the leases on the other hangars.

I’d say you’ve got all the bases covered.