RAA-Toronto December 2025 Newsletter

Beechcraft's Starship

While commercially unsuccessful, the Starship served as an important demonstration platform for composite construction and avionics integration techniques that influenced subsequent aviation programs.

Textron Sunsets Baron, Bonanza

Textron Aviation announced the conclusion of production for the Beechcraft Baron G58 and Bonanza G36. More than 6,000 Barons and 18,000 Bonanzas have been delivered globally.

• Baron G58: twin 300-hp Continental IO-550-C, 202 kt max cruise, 1,480 NM ferry, six seats, G1000 NXi.
• Bonanza G36: single 300-hp Continental IO-550-B, 176 kt max cruise, 920 NM ferry, retractable gear, G1000 NXi.

Textron will focus investment on the new Beechcraft Denali — a clean-sheet turboprop powered by GE's Catalyst engine (FAA certified February 2025). Deliveries begin in 2026.

Report: GA Accident Rates Fall, Flights Increase

The 35th AOPA Richard G. McSpadden Report covered 2023 GA accidents. GA logged 28.4 million flight hours in 2023 (up 1.6 million). Total accidents: 1,097 (186 fatal). Overall rate: 3.86 per 100,000 hours (down from 4.3). Fatal rate: 0.65 (down from 0.68). Landing events were the largest accident share but mostly non-fatal. Pilot-related factors accounted for roughly 70% of non-commercial fixed-wing accidents.