Beech 77 SkipperBeechcraft 77 Skipper airplane model. 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