Beechcraft Bonanza Cost of Ownership

The complete financial picture of owning a premium, high-performance single-engine aircraft

Real costs breakdown: acquisition, financing, insurance, maintenance, and operating expenses

The Beechcraft Bonanza: Premium Aircraft, Premium Costs

The Beechcraft Bonanza stands as one of general aviation's most iconic and respected aircraft. For over 75 years, Bonanzas have delivered unmatched build quality, responsive handling, and legendary reliability. Pilots who own Bonanzas tend toward loyalty—the aircraft inspires genuine affection through its refined characteristics and predictable performance.

However, Bonanza ownership comes at premium cost. New G36 models exceed $925,000. Used examples command $400,000-$650,000. Annual operating costs reach $28,000+. This comprehensive guide examines every cost dimension of Bonanza ownership to show the true financial commitment required.

Why Pilots Choose Bonanzas

The Bonanza's appeal transcends performance specifications. Pilots value refined handling characteristics, excellent build quality, and responsive controls. The aircraft rewards skilled flying with predictable, engaging behavior. Glass cockpit avionics are beautifully integrated. Interiors set standards for comfort and appointments. Resale value remains strong, protecting investment.

Bonanza owners constitute a passionate community. Owners' associations provide support, technical resources, and fellowship. For pilots valuing quality, refinement, and engagement, Bonanzas justify their premium cost.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

New Aircraft Pricing (2024-2025)

A new 2024-2025 Beechcraft G36 Bonanza starts at approximately $925,000. Fully equipped models with premium paint, interior, and avionics options can exceed $1,000,000.

Used Aircraft Market Pricing

The used Bonanza market offers more accessible entry points:

Vintage Models (1970s-1980s): $150,000-$300,000 - Original avionics, older engines, higher time. Entry-level pricing for premium aircraft experience
Mid-Range (1990s-2000s): $300,000-$450,000 - Improved avionics, mid-time engines, modernized systems. Primary market segment
Recent Models (2010-2015): $450,000-$700,000 - Modern glass cockpit, lower time, excellent condition. Premium pricing for newest technology
Latest Models (2016+): $700,000-$925,000 - Newest G36 models, minimal hours, full warranty. Near-new aircraft pricing

Key Price Factors

Avionics Generation: Modern G1000 NXi glass adds $50,000-$80,000
Engine Time: Fresh engines add $30,000-$50,000; engines near TBO reduce value $40,000-$60,000
Total Hours: Each 1,000 hours = $15,000-$25,000 value difference
Annual Status: Fresh inspection adds $8,000-$12,000; annuals due reduce value $15,000-$25,000
Interior/Exterior Condition: Premium condition adds $10,000-$20,000

Financing a Beechcraft Bonanza

Down Payment Requirements

Lenders typically require 15-20% down. For a typical $500,000 purchase:

15% down: $75,000 cash, $425,000 financed
20% down: $100,000 cash, $400,000 financed

Loan Terms and Rates

Bonanza terms typically range 10-20 years at 5.5-7% rates. Example monthly payments for $400,000 loan:

10 years at 6%: $4,432/month ($53,184/year)
15 years at 6.5%: $3,348/month ($40,176/year)
20 years at 7%: $2,879/month ($34,548/year)

Insurance Costs: Premium Coverage

Hull and Liability Coverage

For a $500,000 Bonanza:

Hull Coverage: $3,500-$6,000 annually (0.7-1.2% of hull value)
Liability: $400-$800 annually
Combined Total: $4,000-$6,800 annually

Fuel and Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption

Bonanza fuel burn varies by model. A36 burns approximately 15-17 GPH; G36 burns 14-16 GPH. At current fuel prices:

At $5/gallon: $70-$85/hour
At $6/gallon: $84-$102/hour
At $7/gallon: $98-$119/hour

Maintenance and Reserves

Annual Inspection: $1,200-$2,000
Routine Maintenance: $35-$55/hour
Engine Reserve: $14-$20/hour toward overhaul

Hourly Variable Operating Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $110-$160/hour including fuel, maintenance, oil, and reserves.

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

Hangar: $700-$1,000/year
Insurance: $4,000-$6,800
Annual Inspection: $1,200-$2,000
Accessories: $500-$1,000

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $6,400-$10,800

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year

Aircraft purchased at $500,000 with 20% down ($100,000), $400,000 financed at 6.5% over 15 years:

Loan payment: $3,144/month ($37,728/year)
Fixed costs: $8,000
Fuel (100 hours × $90): $9,000
Maintenance (100 hours × $45): $4,500
Engine reserve (100 hours × $17): $1,700
Annual inspection: $1,500
Total Annual Cost: $62,428
Cost Per Flight Hour: $624

Scenario 2: 200 Flight Hours/Year

Same aircraft and financing:

Loan payment: $37,728/year
Fixed costs: $8,000
Fuel (200 hours × $90): $18,000
Maintenance (200 hours × $45): $9,000
Engine reserve (200 hours × $17): $3,400
Annual inspection: $1,500
Total Annual Cost: $77,628
Cost Per Flight Hour: $388

Bonanza vs. Comparable Aircraft

Bonanza vs. Cirrus SR20

An SR20 owner budgets $290-$490/hour. A Bonanza owner budgets $350-$625/hour. The premium reflects superior speed, build quality, and handling refinement. For pilots valuing quality and performance, the premium is justified.

Bonanza vs. Piper Archer

An Archer owner budgets $240-$360/hour. A Bonanza owner budgets $350-$625/hour. The additional cost reflects significantly higher acquisition price and premium positioning.

Is Bonanza Ownership Worth It?

At $350-$625/hour all-in, Bonanza ownership requires serious financial commitment. It's suited for: - Pilots who value quality and refinement above raw economy - Cross-country fliers planning 150+ hours annually - Business users needing reliable, capable personal aircraft - Owners who prioritize resale value and market liquidity

For recreational pilots flying 50 hours annually, Bonanza costs become unsustainable. For serious aviators, the premium delivers genuine value through quality, handling, and resale value protection.

Next Steps to Bonanza Ownership

Determine realistic budget. Confirm total ownership costs fit your financial situation
Build transition experience. Fly Bonanzas for 15-20 hours before purchasing
Get pre-approved financing. Contact 3-4 lenders for competitive rates
Obtain insurance quotes. Verify actual costs based on your profile
Research available aircraft. Monitor Controller.com and Trade-A-Plane
Conduct pre-purchase inspection. Budget $3,000-$4,000 for thorough evaluation

Sources and Citations

Pilot Passion (2025). "How Much Does A Beechcraft G36 Bonanza Cost? (2025 Price)" - Aircraft pricing and operating cost analysis. Retrieved from pilotpassion.com
Aircraft Cost Calculator (2024). "Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and A36 operating costs" - Comprehensive cost analysis. Retrieved from aircraftcostcalculator.com
PlanePhD (2025). "Beechcraft Bonanza specifications and cost analysis" - Detailed valuation and cost data. Retrieved from planephd.com
Controller.com & Trade-A-Plane - Aircraft market pricing and listings. Retrieved from controller.com and trade-a-plane.com

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance rates, and maintenance expenses vary by location and circumstances. Always consult current sources and obtain professional quotes before making purchase decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Beechcraft Bonanza cost to buy?

New Beechcraft G36 Bonanza costs approximately $925,000. Used models vary: A36 models range $240,000-$450,000, V35B models cost $300,000-$500,000, earlier variants range $150,000-$350,000. A well-maintained used Bonanza averages $400,000-$650,000 depending on model and condition.

What are the true annual operating costs for a Bonanza?

Total annual costs average approximately $28,375 for 100 flight hours including fixed costs of $13,475 and variable costs of $14,900. Hourly operating costs are approximately $283 all-in. Premium aircraft with powerful engines and modern avionics command higher costs.

Why choose a Bonanza over other single-engine aircraft?

Bonanzas offer exceptional build quality, excellent handling, responsive controls, strong resale value, and modern glass cockpit options. Known for comfort and performance, Bonanzas attract pilots who value refinement and capability. Trade-off: significantly higher acquisition and operating costs.

Can I finance a used Beechcraft Bonanza?

Yes, most aircraft lenders finance Bonanzas enthusiastically due to strong resale value and proven reliability. Expect 15-20% down, 10-20 year terms, and rates 5.5-7% for qualified buyers. Bonanzas are among the most financeable premium aircraft.

What is the fuel consumption for a Bonanza?

Bonanza fuel burn varies by model: A36 burns approximately 15-17 GPH, G36 burns 14-16 GPH. At current fuel prices ($5-$7/gallon), expect $70-$119/hour in fuel costs. Fuel represents roughly 50% of variable operating costs.

How much does Bonanza insurance cost annually?

Hull insurance for a $500,000 G36 Bonanza typically costs $3,500-$6,000 annually. Liability adds $400-$800. Total insurance averages $4,000-$6,800 annually. Premium aircraft command higher insurance costs; experienced pilots receive better rates.

Is the Bonanza good for cross-country flying?

Excellent. Bonanzas offer 1,200+ nautical mile range, cruising speeds 170+ mph, comfortable cabins, and reliable performance. Ideal for serious cross-country flying, business trips, and leisure travel. Responsive handling makes them enjoyable even on long flights.

What's the resale market like for Bonanzas?

Strong demand from experienced pilots and businesses. Well-maintained examples sell within 4-12 weeks. Bonanzas hold value exceptionally well—expect 65-80% retention over 7-10 years. Premium aircraft with glass cockpit retain value best.

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