Beechcraft Sundowner C23
Last updated: 2026-04-21
The Beechcraft Sundowner C23 is a four-seat, low-wing, fixed-gear aircraft powered by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360, offering a comfortable and stable platform for PPL(A) training and hour building. It is a workhorse of European EASA general-aviation training fleets, used at both DTO and ATO operators for hour-building and rating progression. Its straightforward piston single-engine layout is ideal for early SEP rating training.
What is the Beechcraft Sundowner C23 used for in flight training?
The Sundowner's 180 hp engine and four-seat cabin make it slightly more capable than the standard Cessna 152 or Cherokee 140, providing useful training flexibility for clubs running both PPL and hour-building operations from the same airframe. Its low-wing design and stable handling suit student cross-country navigation, while the comfortable cabin reduces fatigue on longer flights. European flying clubs find the Sundowner economical to operate compared to complex singles, making it a practical choice for mixed-fleet operations running from PPL ab-initio through to night-rating exercises.