Beechcraft Musketeer or Piper Cherokee?

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SyFly

Filing Flight Plan
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SyFly
Hello everyone,
I am a Commercial/IFR pilot with about 300 hours and am now looking into buying my own airplane. I have done most of my training in a 172, however, I have nearly 100hrs in a Piper Cherokee and some of that is in the Arrow II. I have been looking to buy a Cherokee because that is what is in my price range, however, I have recently come across a Beechcraft Musketeer 19A that fits most of my list for what I am looking for. Since I have no experience in these aircraft I want everyone's opinion on the main pros/cons that go with getting the Beechcraft. I understand it is slower, but other than that, what is everyone's experiences?
 
I have a Musketeer Custom III, aka B23, and like it a lot. All of the baby Beeches are well built with comfortable cabins, easy maintenance, few ADs (none onerous), and good handling characteristics. They are more difficult to land than a Cherokee, however, and you really do have to fly the numbers. You need to nail your approach speed within +/- 2 knots.

The Sport (19A) is a bit underpowered. The speed may be okay for you, but that's not the only thing to worry about and I don't know where you're located. If you're at a higher elevation, the take-off and climb performance might be a concern, especially if you're near max weight. Think about the worst density altitude you might see. The Sports are somewhat limited on useful load; even if you're looking at one with a rear seat, the plane is best considered a two-seater, at least for adults.

They're good planes, within their limitations. With 60 gallon tanks and a 9gph fuel burn, they have excellent endurance. Some of the 19As are even approved for limited aerobatics. An airport buddy has one, and he and his girlfriend take trips in it all the time and are having a blast.

www.aopa.org

Beechcraft Sport

www.aopa.org

The 180-200 hp Musketeers have considerably better performance and IMHO are a bargain, but your own budget may dictate what you'll buy.

If you're serious about something in the Musketeer family, you really should join the Beech Aero Club. https://core.beechaeroclub.org/ Best fifty bucks you'll ever spend in aviation. There's lots of expertise in the club, and it's a great source for documents and other detailed info like pre-buy checklists and parts sources. There's even a fair chance someone will be familiar with the particular tail number you're considering and can give you the skinny on the plane.
 
As an AP/IA, sometimes the parts aren't the easiest to get ahold of for the musketeer/ sundowner. On top of that you will be paying more for "Beechcraft" parts. I own a Cherokee and have worked on more than I can count, the Cherokee is hands down the best plane to own maintenance wise. Parts are more affordable and more readily available. If you are wanting a plane to just take your family on short trips and time build, Cherokee 140 is the way to go. If you have two kids and a spouse, the 180 is the best bet. The arrow is a great trainer, but in my opinion, isn't a good aircraft to own for private use. The extra airspeed you gain isn't worth the extra insurance crap.
 
Of course, Cherokees sometimes have the wings land at a different location than the fuselage. :devil:

So far, I've had no problems sourcing parts for my Musketeer. BAC is a big help in that regard.
 
Half Fast said:
Of course, Cherokees sometimes have the wings land at a different location than the fuselage. :devil:

So far, I've had no problems sourcing parts for my Musketeer. BAC is a big help in that regard.
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That is true and an unfortunate part of GA, a lot of planes I've seen have had... subpar maintenance history. I haven't worked on one in a couple years but I do remember looking for a while for a landing gear part- although I can't exactly remember what it was. I'll remember BAC in the future if I have one come in.
 
Doesn’t one of the musketeer models have an oddball engine?
The sundowner version is a good solid plane. O360.
 
Aviatorbrew said:
Doesn’t one of the musketeer models have an oddball engine?
The sundowner version is a good solid plane. O360.
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From what I understand, the Musketeer models before 1967 had a 346 in them, which, according to some, are nearly impossible to find parts for these days. Most of the Musketeers after 67 have a 0-320 in them from what I gather, at least the one I'm looking at does.
 
I love musketeers and think they are 2x the plane of a cherokee.

That said if you ever foresee yourself selling in future, get the piper. You can sell 10 cherokees before you find a buyer for a beech sport. IMHO.
 
schmookeeg said:
I love musketeers and think they are 2x the plane of a cherokee.

That said if you ever foresee yourself selling in future, get the piper. You can sell 10 cherokees before you find a buyer for a beech sport. IMHO.
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Thats about what I've heard so far from some other beech sport owners.
 
A few years back when I was getting my annual done, my Musketeer was in my mechanic's hangar parked right next to a Cherokee 140. I distinctly remembered saying to myself it was like big brother (think HS starting quarterback) standing next to his little 8 year old brother. The difference was that stark.
 
Musketeer, because two doors (yes I'm aware not all of them have two) are always better than one.
 
I flew Beech B19 sport 150 many years ago. What I remember is that it felt much more solid than any Cherokee or Cessna that I was flying at the time. It just felt like a bigger plane to me with sweeter handling.
 
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