A descendant of one of the most popular general aviation aircraft ever — the Beechcraft Bonanza — the Baron first took flight in February, 53 years ago. Fast, capable and with good flying manners, the airplane quickly became one of three iconic light twins in the industry, competing with the Cessna 310 and Piper Aztec. At a time of cheap fuel and an almost religious belief in the safety benefits of twins (versus singles), the Baron was a hot seller.