Airplane review: Beech Musketeer

The Beech Musketeer is a large, roomy, sturdy and fairly quick airplane. If you're considering purchasing your own airplane, I strongly suggest considering the Musketeer, you might be very pleasantly surprised!
In this video I take a brief look at the history of the Musketeer, some of its operating costs and what it's like to own and fly.
The video example is a 1963 Musketeer, 160HP O-320 Lycoming powered. It has a 2300 lb gross weight and just over 900 lbs of usable load. 130 mph cruise at 9.5 gallons an hour and carries 60 gallons of fuel.

[@jamesharkness1058]

This is my favorite airplane by far. A true cross country performer, and easy on the pocketbook to operate. Thanks for sharing

[@fastbackflying853]

I am really glad you enjoyed the video and the airplane.

[@paultolley8989]

Outstanding review of the plane. I had a 64 A23A with the much maligned IO-346 engine. Though I agree a couple of parts were difficult to attain the performance was superior to the O-360 Lycoming engine as it was a true 165 Hp and much lighter than the Lycoming 180. The useful load pushed to 995 lbs. and the performance was significantly better. Lastly its a great IFR platform as the plane is naturally very stable. The only downside, for some, is you have to fly the plane onto the runway; a lax approach can lead to porposing but fly the the plane and it can manage a 25 kt Xwind. Thanks again Fastback Flying nice job.

[@fastbackflying853]

Really glad you enjoyed the review and been enjoying your Musketeer. Happy tailwinds.

[@jameshilaire4178]

I have a lot of hours in a Beech Sport that I had installed the droop tips vgs and powerflow exhaust and it was a different plane! My stall speed dropped to 48 mph and on a good day climb at 1000 feet per minute! Handled crosswinds well and cruised at 115 knots! I did clean up that draggy landing gear and removed one of the steps. great airplane!!

[@fly-n-m9445]

Nice review, I went from from a 75, C172 to a 66 Bonanza, 22 years ago, never looked backed, Beechcraft is a joy to fly.

[@fastbackflying853]

They are a joy to fly and a very well built airplane as well. Some maintenance items are not very fun to complete but you cant have everything! I do miss flying the Bonanza

[@redcarsarasota]

Great review! It’s nice to see you flying it around as you review it. I like that you’ve taken care of it, as well as your passion for flying it.

[@boogerwood]

Thanks for sharing. Another BIG plus for me (in later models when they became Sundowners) are the 2 doors.

[@fastbackflying853]

The 2 doors is fantastic!

[@roythurston7799]

Wow!!! This is really by far one of the best reviews I’ve seen with sooo much information & comparisons.

[@fastbackflying853]

I am really glad that you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. More airplane reviews, maintenance and flying videos coming soon.

[@skippingguy]

I would actually like to have SEEN the big cargo door, the access doors, getting in and out of the thing, a direct view of the panel, a pre-flight walk around...so much potential but just another “talking head” style video review.

[@bpatos]

Very nice ride. Thank you, sir.

[@fastbackflying853]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comments.

[@sammalone6714]

Fir $13,000 in 1963 you could have purchased a Ferrari 250 GTO. Current value $32MM+.

[@randyleverson7430]

Great review James! Our Musketeer is working like a clock since you took care of our annual last year! Chat soon.

[@fastbackflying853]

I am really glad to hear you enjoyed the video and very happy to know your Musketeer is running well. Cheers

[@lazysfarmrawmilkdairy4280]

Question for you all. I am looking a purchasing a musketeer. Without any needed repairs, what is the average annual inspection cost?

[@lazysfarmrawmilkdairy4280]

Question for you all. I am looking a purchasing a musketeer. Without any needed repairs, what is the average annual inspection cost?

[@Warbird-Aviation]

very nice review

[@fastbackflying853]

Thank you very much

[@JailBird2333]

How's the pilot seat for Space and head room? I'm tall, 6'4" and wide shoulders. Would this aircraft be a good fit?

[@fastbackflying853]

I would certainly recommend sitting in one to see how it feels but I think there is alot of space in the airplane. I have sat with people in the co-pilot seat who are just over 6 feet tall and they have had no issues at all.

[@fugoogle8907]

great video, thanks for sharing!

[@fastbackflying853]

Your welcome

[@billywest7065]

Great information. I'm just in ground school, but like to think ahead. Seems like this might be an excellent 1st plane??

[@fastbackflying853]

I think it would serve you very well indeed. I would strongly recommend having an inspection completed by a mechanic you trust to determine the condition of the airplane and its systems before you buy anything.

[@billywest7065]

@@fastbackflying853 that would be an absolute must. And then I would be looking for an instructor that could teach me all of my lessons in it.

[@minnesnowtan9970]

How is it for amateurs to land? i have heard porpoising stories, is it significant?

[@fastbackflying853]

If the airplane has been equipped with the VG kit it's much easier to land. The standard airplane is not difficult it just needs an experienced pilot who can teach you the differences so you don't make a mess. I think if you approach the airplane in a positive mindset where you respect it's differences and evaluate each landing and make adjustments you will be just fine.

[@minnesnowtan9970]

@@fastbackflying853 Do vortex generators affect the cruise speed significantly?

[@fastbackflying853]

@minnesnowtan9970 No I don't think you will notice any difference to cruise speed.

[@adamcohen8628]

Would you say musketeer II very similar?

[@fastbackflying853]

The only difference I believe is that the 2 had the IO-346 Continental engine and a 100lbs more gross weight.

[@farmboy694]

how tall are you boss? do the seats adjust up/down?

[@fastbackflying853]

In this model the seats do not have any adjustment up and down. I am 5 ft 11 inches. I hope that helps you.

[@farmboy694]

@@fastbackflying853 thanks! im tall and its a curse to find planes to fit in. I'm in the market and considering one due to the roomy cabin...but hard to find one in real life to try let alone one for sale in Canada.

[@fastbackflying853]

I have had some tall passengers in the plane with no problem at all. Maybe 6 ft 2 inches. That's tall to me anyway. I know of one that is for sale but it needs an engine and it needs an IO-346 engine. I had an overhauled engine lined up a few years ago for it and it would have been a good deal but it all fell apart.

[@farmboy694]

@@fastbackflying853 yah I'm 6'3 or 6'4. I want to avoid that engine just due to the oddball factor. I did a registry search out of curiosity. Only 4 of the a23a registered in Canada. Oddly enough only engine I could find was in canada..at aero recip 15k usd

[@fastbackflying853]

Thats the where I was sourcing the engine for this project 4 or 5 years ago! It's a really shame it didn't all come together then. Have you posted any wanted adds anywhere?

[@rickc1410]

TOOOO MANY ADDS BY BY BY !!!!!!

[@fastbackflying853]

How many adds are you seeing? You should have one only at the start of the video. A KZbin premium account also removes all ads.

[@goneflying140]

I used to be in a club with 6 guys. We had a 63 Musketeer. It was a beautiful airplane with new paint, interior and a fresh 0320. I trained in Cessnas, and I liked them. I flew the Musketeer one time and was hooked. It is the easiest plane in general aviation to make greased butter landings in as long as you manage your power. Don't land too fast or it will go into oscillations. Too slow, and it will land hard. Hold it off until you feel it sinking, then add 200 rpm and you will feel a butter smooth landing. The Musketeer also handles like a fighter plane. It has a fast rate of roll. Unfortunately, our club plane was destroyed in an overloaded landing (not by me...) The important thing was that nobody was hurt in the accident because the Musketeer is built SOLID!! I sure miss my Musky!!

[@rp896]

I have a 1968 Musketeer with the Continental IO-346A engine. Plenty of spare parts, works great. It has more horsepower than the rated 165. I've been flying it since 1972 when my Dad bought it.

[@fastbackflying853]

I am glad to hear it has been working well for you. There is a IO-346 Musketeer near me but unfortunetly the engine is not airwrothy. At last discussion with a number of overhaul shops cylinders were not avaliable and they could not complete the overhaul of the engine.

[@ozelot250]

I’m looking at purchasing a 1967 musketeer with the continental io-346 fuel injection. This video states parts are scarce? I’m in Arizona.

[@fastbackflying853]

Yes I would do some research about the engine. Talk to some engine shops and see what they say. Last I spoke there were no new cylinder assemblies available for the engine.

[@jnbartworx2176]

I owned this aircraft for 5 years. I see you kept the aluminum side window scoop bracket I made. I like the glass panel you put in.

[@fastbackflying853]

I am glad you like what we have done with her. She is an excellent and reliable airplane.

[@jnbartworx2176]

I flew it to Oshkosh for it’s 50th birthday. Coming home at near gross at 9000’ MSL it still climbed at 250’/ min. Over the Lake Michigan clouds. Great visibility.

[@fastbackflying853]

That's fantastic! I have done that trip many times but not in FGRR. Perhaps one day!

[@thedahlins]

Thank you for this clear and informative video! I feel your assessment is spot on and without ego or bravado. These are the kinds of KZbin videos that we can learn from and count on! Much appreciated!

[@fastbackflying853]

I am really glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for your comments. It's nice to hear I am getting something right.

[@marsgal42]

Mice are adorable. I fly a '63 Musketeer (C-GWHG - another Canadian) and agree with your assessment: a delight to fly, roomy cabin, not exactly over-powered, landings require a certain finesse.

[@fastbackflying853]

Really glad you enjoyed the video and great to hear of another 63 out there still flying. I hope you enjoy some of our other videos and have a great flying season.

[@Fkujoeb123]

Can you do us a favor and do an actual video of the checklist and start up and let everybody know what it takes? Thank you.

[@fastbackflying853]

I might be able to get that done in the next few weeks

[@scotabot7826]

The Musketeer was developed into the Sundowner, right? Then the Sierra. Not to mention, there were several models that were offered in the aerobatic version. Very nice sportsman aerobatic maneuvers can be performed!!

[@marsgal42]

Exactly.

[@scotabot7826]

Not a 4 seat airplane, just like the Cherokee and 172!!

[@fastbackflying853]

It really depends what you are doing. I have had four people in it lots just not with any luggage or tons of fuel. I have taken it on a skiing holiday for a week with 2 of us all our gear and full tanks. As you said, same as a 172 or PA28

[@abstract0014]

is anyone watching this for entertainment instead of actually looking to buy one?

[@Warbird-Aviation]

What nice review!!! Just watched again ad we found such a plane in Switzerland and it flies great but a bit slow, could this be because of the forward CG and whith balast in the back in flies faster?

[@fastbackflying853]

Yes a forward C of G will really slow it down. I often put weight in the baggage compartment if I am flying by myself to help cruise. I also run 2550 to 2600 rpm, which allows for a much higher cruise speed.

[@kitkat0981]

Hi, Nelson here in Ottawa. Looking at getting a Beech Sport 150 1972. Looking for a CFi with beech experience that knows the habits of the mouse. Can you come down to Ottawa for 3-5hrs of instruction? If not, do you know of any CFI closer to me? Thanks.

[@fastbackflying853]

Hi Nelson. Yes this is something I could help with. Send me an email and we can work something out.

[@johnorr7386]

I owned a1976 C23 Sundowner (Musketeer with an O-360 180 hp engine) for nearly five years before I upgraded to a C33 Debonair which I had for 10 years.

[@fastbackflying853]

How did you enjoy the Debonair?

[@a-hvlogs2046]

using an inflation calculator, that 13k in 63 would be 120k in todays money... cant get a new beech for that and that makes me sad

[@fastbackflying853]

That really is amazing! I saw a Avionics panel upgrade recently in a Mooney that was 120k. It really is becoming very expensive. Joint ownership may become more popular.

[@jt200drivr]

Great, great video. Thank you for your comprehensive review! I’m looking to purchase one of these. At the five minute mark, you mentioned with 4 people and a good amount of fuel near gross weight, your climb performance degrades and it needs a lot of runway. Can you put some context around your rate of climb and a comfortable runway length at 30 decrees C (worst case) in that scenario? Thank you.

[@fastbackflying853]

At 30 degrees Celsius at gross weight and with 5kts of runway you would use 2500 feet of runway easily and can expect your climb to be 250 ft a minute. VG kit would improve this significantly. I have a video coming out of a 1900 ft strip with the airplane. Its got 40 gallons of fuel, just me and a 100lbs of luggage. You could check that out for some performance.

[@jt200drivr]

@@fastbackflying853 Great. Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate your insight. I actually saw that video, which another very helpful review. Well done! I wondered how far down the runway the golden rod marker was located. That was about the time you lifted off. Do you know the approximate distance from the beginning of the runway? Interestingly, the POH I found for the serial number aircraft I’m interested in has takeoff distance data for a standard 15 degree C day and colder, but not warmer. Wish they had included the other side of the thermometer.

[@byronpenados7080]

Great video sir! I am currently looking at one for sale and wanted to get a good idea as I’m new to aircraft buying. If only you were local (TX) and could take a look for us. Keep up the good work!

[@fastbackflying853]

Let us know if you end up getting the airplane. I really hope it all works out for you. I would really like to fly down to your part of the world. Someday soon I hope.

[@byronpenados7080]

Fastback Flying Will do! Either way if you’re ever in the DFW area I’d love to meet up. Cheers.

[@daviddoss1104]

I learned how to fly in a Piper Tomahawk. Owned a 172 for a couple years and liked it. Bought a 64 musketeer flew and operated it for a couple of years. This was in the late 70s early 80s. Great airplane It just felt solid when you flew it. Did have to watch the weight. especially since I flew out of St Petersburg Florida. A lot of hot Summer days. Had great room inside. I miss that airplane.

[@robertmcrae3077]

Great to see this review... definitely on “the list” for my next aircraft... would love a Sierra model. Keep the videos coming.

[@fastbackflying853]

More to come! I am working on a Cessna 170 review in the near future and would like to do another on a PA28.

[@robertmcrae3077]

@@fastbackflying853 ... ah the 170, also on my next plane list.

[@ctmorawetz]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing. How does it handle on unprepared runways? (grass, gravel, etc.)

[@fastbackflying853]

Thank you. Really glad you enjoyed the video. Grass and gravel is just fine. With the 160hp version it's just watching the climb performance when hot and heavy! It's been in and out of Bancroft in the summer with 2 people.

[@marsgal42]

I've landed mine on grass (Hope, BC) without incident. Just keep it light in the summer and you'll be fine.

[@mmueller1211]

Thanks for the informative review, looking for a Sundowner/Musketeer here in Ont.

[@fastbackflying853]

Glad you enjoyed it. I am in Peterborough Ontario so let me know if I can be of any service. I complete purchase inspections, repairs, scheduled maintenance, rebuilds, and also provide flight instruction.

[@mmueller1211]

@@fastbackflying853 definitely keep you in mind re: pre-purchase. the search begins...!

[@ajaypalmann]

Do you recommend buying one? I’ve heard landing the musketeer can be hard

[@fastbackflying853]

Yes I would certainly recommend one. It doesn't take too long to get use to landing and if you have access to a well qualified pilot or instructor who is familiar with the aircraft I would certainly recommend getting some instruction.

[@MikeB3542]

Not that difficult, but it punishes pilots that don't mind their approach speed. Fly it by the book (carrying a pinch of power through the flair) and all is right with the world.

[@kevinnickel6356]

pinch of power through flair 1500= butter smooth landings.

[@brandonjunkin2403]

Awesome review, any at ypq for sale?

[@leonard.l2671]

Great stuff! I just bought a B19 sports! So looking forward to fly it!

[@fastbackflying853]

That is very exciting! I really hope you enjoy the airplane and let us know how it's going and where your flying. All the best.

[@PastorRichardAllenFarmer]

GOOD VIDEO. Since this will be "out there" for a long time, please correct the grammar of your intro. Second sentence should be, If YOU'RE considering purchasing your own airplane...

[@fastbackflying853]

Thank you for bringing my attention to the grammar error. I am also glad to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@ozelot250]

Really guy? Really?

[@PastorRichardAllenFarmer]

@@ozelot250 Yes, really.😀

[@jacknisen]

Any noteworthy ADs on the airframe to watch for?