Beech developed the Skipper as a low expense two seat trainer in response to the growing costs (mainly fuel) of pilot training in the mid 1970s. Starting life as the Beech PD (for Preliminary Design) 285, the new Skipper was intended to be a simple and cost effective new generation pilot training aircraft combining low purchasing and operating costs with lightweight but sturdy construction. Production lasted just three years until mid 1981 (at the time Beech said the halt in production was a "suspension" pending an improvement in market conditions). During that time little more than 300 Skippers had been built (at a rate of about 10 per month). Unsold Skipper stocks kept the type available for a further year. Mahogany Wood. Scale: 1/24. Wingspan 15 inches, Length 12 inches.