Beechcraft 1300 Commuter

The Beechcraft Model 1300, commonly known as the Commuter, emerged in the early 1970s as Beechcraft’s response to a growing market for efficient, short‑range twin‑engine turboprop transports. Developed from the earlier Model 99 series, the 1300 incorporated a stretched fuselage, a larger cabin, and more powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑27 engines, delivering up to 560 shaft horsepower each. First flown in 1972 and certified in 1974, the Commuter was produced until 1979, with a total of 129 airframes completed. Its high‑mounted, unswept wings and all‑metal construction offered robust performance, a cruising speed near 260 knots, and a range of roughly 1,200 nautical miles, making it suitable for regional airlines, corporate operators, and charter services. The aircraft’s distinctive T‑tail and retractable tricycle landing gear contributed to lower drag and improved handling on short runways. The 1300 Commuter helped cement Beechcraft’s reputation for reliable, cost‑effective commuter solutions and paved the way for later models such as the King Air series, influencing the design philosophy of modern regional turboprops. Today, several 1300 Commuters remain active in charter fleets across North America, valued for their straightforward maintenance, dependable performance, and ability to operate from rugged, short-field airports.

Beechcraft

Beechcraft 1300 Commuter

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Production & History

Design & Classification