What is the typical landing approach speed for the Beechcraft Baron 58 in Microsoft Flight Simulator?
In Microsoft Flight Simulator, a typical Beechcraft Baron 58 landing approach speed is about 95 to 100 KIAS on final, then around 90 KIAS over the threshold when light and fully configured. If you are heavier, using less flap or landing in gusts, add roughly 5 to 10 knots.
What approach speed should I use in the Baron 58?
For a normal two-engine landing in the Baron 58, 95 to 100 KIAS is a solid, practical target in MSFS. That gives you a stable final without arriving too fast and floating halfway down the runway.
The exact number is not fixed. It changes with landing weight, flap setting, wind, runway length and how accurately the particular MSFS Baron flight model matches the real aircraft. As a rule, though, if you are fully configured and on speed, you will usually end up somewhere around the high 90s on short final.
| Phase | Typical IAS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downwind | 115-120 KIAS | Start slowing and planning the descent |
| Base | 105-110 KIAS | Gear down, first stage of flap as required |
| Final approach | 95-100 KIAS | Normal landing target in a stable configuration |
| Over the threshold | About 90 KIAS | Slightly less if light and fully configured |
Those are sensible targets for everyday MSFS flying, not hard limits. If the aircraft package you are using includes its own performance notes, we would always use those first.
A good Baron 58 landing profile in Microsoft Flight Simulator
If you want a repeatable landing, the speed matters less than being stable. Chasing the numbers late usually leads to a balloon, a sinker, or both.
- Slow early. Aim to be around 115 to 120 KIAS in the circuit or before turning inbound if you are flying a straight-in approach.
- Lower the gear in good time. The Baron cleans up speed fairly well, but it is still easier to configure gradually than all at once.
- Set approach flap and trim the aeroplane. On base leg, a target around 105 to 110 KIAS usually works well.
- Turn final fully stabilised. For a normal landing, aim for 95 to 100 KIAS with the descent rate under control and only small pitch changes needed.
- Cross the threshold at about 90 KIAS, easing the power back smoothly. Let the aircraft settle rather than forcing it on.
- Hold the flare modestly. If you arrive too fast, the Baron will float. If you arrive too slow, it will feel sinky and need more power than you expect.
Why the correct approach speed changes
People often search for one magic number, but the Baron 58 does not really work that way. A proper approach speed is always a range.
- Weight: Heavier aeroplanes need more speed. A lightly loaded Baron can feel happy near the lower end of the range, while a heavier one often wants a few extra knots.
- Flap setting: Less flap means a higher approach speed and a longer landing roll.
- Wind and gusts: In gusty conditions, carrying an extra 5 knots is often sensible. In stronger gusts, some pilots use a little more, but do not overdo it or you will float.
- Runway length: On a short runway you want the aircraft properly slowed and configured early. On a long runway you may tolerate a touch more speed, but it is still better to be on profile.
- Add-on flight model: Different Baron 58 versions in MSFS can feel slightly different in pitch and drag, so fine-tune your target after a few landings.
Use indicated airspeed, not groundspeed
This catches a lot of sim pilots out. Your approach speed is based on IAS, not groundspeed. If you have a strong headwind, the groundspeed may look low even though the aeroplane is exactly where it should be aerodynamically.
What if the Baron 58 keeps floating?
That almost always means you are too fast over the threshold, carrying too much power, or both. In the Baron 58, even 5 to 10 knots too much can produce a long float in MSFS, especially on a smooth runway in calm weather.
If that is happening repeatedly, work backwards:
- Make sure you are stabilised by 500 feet above the runway.
- Check that you are actually at 95 to 100 KIAS on final, not 105 to 110.
- Reduce power smoothly crossing the threshold instead of closing it too late.
- Trim properly so you are not holding constant forward pressure.
What if it feels too slow or drops in hard?
If the sink rate builds quickly, you are probably below a safe final approach speed for your weight or configuration, or you are pulling the power off too early. The fix is simple: add a few knots, carry a touch more power into the flare, and avoid making large pitch changes close to the runway.
For many sim pilots, 100 KIAS on final is the easiest starting point. Once that is consistent, you can slowly refine it downward when light and on longer practice sessions.
A useful Baron 58 caveat: blue line versus normal landing speed
The Baron is a twin, so some pilots get concerned when the normal landing speed goes below the blue line speed. That is normal during an all-engines-operating landing. Blue line is the best single-engine rate-of-climb speed, not your normal touchdown speed.
Where it matters is this: if you are dealing with an engine-out approach, keep the aircraft at or above the appropriate single-engine control speed and usually near blue line until the runway is assured. For a routine two-engine landing, your normal final approach can be slower than blue line once configured and stable.
So what is the best practical answer?
If you just want one dependable number for everyday use in Microsoft Flight Simulator, start with 100 KIAS on final in the Beechcraft Baron 58. Then let it bleed towards about 90 KIAS over the threshold if the aircraft is light, fully configured and the conditions are calm. Adjust upward a little for weight, less flap and gusty weather.