This Beechcraft 23 Musketeer Is a Thoughtfully Designed ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

1963 Beechcraft 23 Musketeer [Courtesy: Evan Seitz]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1963 Beechcraft 23 Musketeer.

The general aviation boom was well underway in the U.S. by the early 1960s. Cessna’s 172, with its then-novel tricycle landing gear, was a major hit, and Piper had begun rolling out its competing PA-28 in 1960.

While Beechcraft was enjoying success with its high-performance Bonanza single and Baron light twin, it had nothing to offer to flight schools or pilots who were shopping for basic, economical aerial transport. The Musketeer reflected Beechcraft’s formula for an all-around utilitarian four-seat aircraft that could be used for training, family, or business travel, or building time toward an airline career.

While the Musketeer and its siblings, including the more powerful Sundowner and retractable Sierra, did not match their Cessna and Piper rivals in sales, they sold well and there are many operating today. Among the favored features that Musketeer fans point out are its large cabin and a generally more solid feel compared with typical trainer aircraft.

People often say that Beechcraft is known for premium build quality that is evident even in its lower-cost models. The Musketeer also uses trailing-link landing gear that can make arrivals more pleasant than the traditional spring steel and oleo suspensions found on other models in the same market segment.

This 1963 Musketeer has 2,520 hours on the airframe and 340 hours since overhaul on its 160 hp Lycoming O-320-D2B engine and Sensenich propeller. The aircraft has a useful load of 811 pounds and carries 58 gallons of fuel.

The VFR panel features a King KX-170 Nav/Comm, a TKM MX 12 Nav/Comm, King KMA 20 audio panel, Flightcom 403 intercom and a Narco AT-50 transponder

Pilots looking for an economical personal aircraft for training, building time, or traveling should consider this 1963 Beechcraft Musketeer, which is available for $44,900 on AircraftForSale.

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