The Model F17D was designed for the Jacobs L-6 Engine, which developed 330 horsepower. A total of 60 Model F17D aircraft were manufactured between 1938 and 1942. The Model F17D was identical to the Model E17B which was manufactured between 1937 and 1940, with the only exception being the engine installation. The Model E17B was designed for the Jacobs R-830-1 (L-5) which developed 285 horsepower

Beechcraft F17D NC20798, c/n 333, was originally delivered to Mr. Harry Earle Homeyer of Overland, Missouri. It was then registered to Aluminum Siding Company of Virginia, in Mount Crawford, VA in 1966. This airplane was rebuilt in Virginia in 1970 and was formerly on display in the Wings and Wheels Museum in Santee, SC. NC20798 was purchased by John Parish of Tullahoma, TN in 1974 and donated to the Museum by John and Charlotte Parish in 1985.