PH-BYA Beechcraft 58 Baron c/n TH-1609 - KLM Flight Academy - Groningen Airport Eelde in Holland - 10 August 1995

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 in 1970 the model 58 Baron was introduced. 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.

Beech 58 Baron PH-BYA was 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.