Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Cost of Ownership

The Beechcraft Bonanza G36: The Best-Selling General Aviation Aircraft

The Beechcraft Bonanza represents the most successful general aviation aircraft in history, with over 17,000 aircraft produced since its introduction in 1947. The modern G36 variant combines proven reliability, glass cockpit technology, and premium appointments to deliver a business-class single-engine experience. With a 300 HP Continental IO-550-B engine, Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit standard, 6-seat capacity, and retractable landing gear, the Bonanza G36 delivers genuine personal transportation and business travel capability.

The Bonanza's reputation for reliability, resale value retention, and comprehensive owner community support makes it attractive to experienced pilots seeking premium single-engine capability. The G36 model features modern avionics, efficient fuel management, smooth handling, and balanced performance characteristics that appeal to both personal-use and business operators.

Why Pilots Choose the Bonanza G36

Proven reliability and 70+ year design heritage appeal to safety-conscious pilots. Modern G1000 NXi glass cockpit provides sophisticated navigation and safety systems. 300 HP Continental engine delivers strong climb performance and 188-knot cruise. Retractable gear and single-lever power control simplify operations. Premium interior and handling characteristics deliver business-class comfort. Exceptional resale value and strong owner community provide long-term support. Trade-offs include higher purchase and operating costs than comparable naturally-aspirated singles, retractable gear complexity, and significant fuel consumption.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Pricing by Model Generation

• Earlier A36 Models (1980-2005): $300,000-$500,000 - Analog avionics or early glass cockpit, higher total airframe hours, proven platform
• Early G36 (2006-2010): $500,000-$650,000 - Initial G1000 integration, moderate total airframe hours, good value proposition
• Mid G36 (2010-2015): $650,000-$800,000 - Mature G1000 systems, moderate total airframe hours, enhanced features
• Modern G36 (2015-2020): $750,000-$950,000 - G1000 NXi, low total airframe hours, comprehensive modern features
• Recent G36 (2020+): $850,000-$1,100,000 - Latest production models, very low total airframe hours, full modern equipment
• New Aircraft (2025): $925,000-$1,495,000 - Factory new with full warranty and latest configuration options

Key Price Factors

• Total Airframe Hours: Each 1,000 hours beyond 2,000 hours reduces value by $15,000-$25,000; low-hour aircraft (under 500 hours) command 5-10% premiums
• Engine Hours Until TBO: Engines approaching 1,700-hour TBO reduce value; recent major overhauls add 10-15% premium
• Avionics: Factory G1000 NXi integration commands premium; retrofit G1000 adds $20,000-$40,000; analog avionics reduces value $30,000-$60,000
• Interior Condition: Premium leather and modern interior add $15,000-$40,000; older interiors reduce value by $10,000-$30,000
• Maintenance Records: Complete logbooks command 5-10% premiums; consistent maintenance history supports higher valuation

Financing a Beechcraft Bonanza

Down Payment Requirements

Most aircraft lenders require 20-25% down payment for Bonanza aircraft. For an $800,000 purchase:

• 20% Down: $160,000 down, $640,000 financed
• 25% Down: $200,000 down, $600,000 financed (most common)

Loan Terms and Rates

Aircraft loan terms typically range 10-15 years at 6-7.5% interest:

• 12-Year Term at 6.5%: $5,875/month on $600,000 ($70,500/year)
• 15-Year Term at 7%: $5,135/month on $600,000 ($61,620/year)

Insurance Costs

Liability and Hull Coverage

• Liability Only ($1M) - Qualified Pilot: $550-$750 annually (1,000+ hours, 250+ retractable gear, 25+ in type)
• Liability Only - Less Qualified Pilot: $820-$1,050 annually
• Liability + Hull ($1M/$50K) - Qualified Pilot: $1,300-$1,600 annually
• Liability + Hull - Less Qualified Pilot: $3,700-$4,100 annually

Fuel and Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption

Bonanza G36 burns 12-16.3 GPH depending on power settings. At 75% power (16.3 GPH):

• At $6.00/gallon: $97.80/hour in fuel
• At $6.50/gallon: $106/hour in fuel
• At $7.00/gallon: $114/hour in fuel

Maintenance and Reserves

• Hourly Maintenance: $23.45 per hour
• Engine Reserve: $15-$18 per hour (1,700-hour TBO)
• Oil and Consumables: $3-$4 per hour
• Annual Inspection: $2,000-$2,500 per year

Hourly Variable Costs

• Fuel: $97-$114/hour
• Hourly Maintenance: $23.45/hour
• Engine Reserve: $16/hour
• Oil/Consumables: $3.50/hour
• Total: $140-$157/hour

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar or Tie-down: $2,000-$4,000 per year
• Insurance: $1,300-$2,600 per year (qualified pilot)
• Annual Inspection: $2,000-$2,500 per year
• Maintenance Reserve: $1,500-$2,500 per year
• Miscellaneous: $500-$1,000 per year

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $7,300-$12,600 per year

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year

• Loan payment: $5,135/month ($61,620/year)
• Fixed costs: $10,000
• Fuel (100 hours × $106/hr): $10,600
• Maintenance (100 hours × $23.45): $2,345
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $16): $1,600
• Oil/consumables (100 hours × $3.50): $350
• Annual inspection: $2,250
• Total: $88,765
• Hourly Cost: $888

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year

• Loan payment: $61,620/year
• Fixed costs: $10,000
• Fuel (150 hours × $106/hr): $15,900
• Maintenance (150 hours × $23.45): $3,518
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $16): $2,400
• Oil/consumables (150 hours × $3.50): $525
• Annual inspection: $2,250
• Total: $96,213
• Hourly Cost: $641

Scenario 3: 200 Flight Hours/Year

• Loan payment: $61,620/year
• Fixed costs: $10,000
• Fuel (200 hours × $106/hr): $21,200
• Maintenance (200 hours × $23.45): $4,690
• Engine reserve (200 hours × $16): $3,200
• Oil/consumables (200 hours × $3.50): $700
• Annual inspection: $2,250
• Total: $103,660
• Hourly Cost: $518

Bonanza G36 vs. Comparable Aircraft

Bonanza G36 vs. Cirrus SR22T

The Cirrus SR22T ($600K average) costs less than the Bonanza G36 ($800K+) but lacks retractable gear and has lower useful load. Both feature glass cockpits and modern avionics. Operating costs are similar ($350-600/hour). Bonanza buyers value proven reliability and resale; SR22T buyers value parachute safety and lower purchase cost.

Bonanza G36 vs. Piper M350

The Piper M350 (~$1.3M+) is significantly more expensive but offers pressurization and high-altitude capability. Both aircraft feature modern avionics and 6-seat capacity. Operating costs differ substantially ($400-900/hour for M350 vs. $350-600 for Bonanza). Bonanza buyers prioritize cost control; M350 buyers value pressurization and altitude.

Next Steps to Bonanza Ownership

1. Build Retractable Gear Experience: Earn retractable gear endorsement and accumulate 50+ hours in complex aircraft
2. Find Your Aircraft: Search Bonanza-focused brokers, trade-a-plane.com, and controller.com
3. Pre-Purchase Inspection: Hire Bonanza-experienced A&P mechanic; budget $3,000-$5,000
4. Arrange Financing: Contact aircraft lenders 60-90 days before purchase
5. Secure Insurance: Obtain quotes confirming your qualifications
6. Secure Hangar: Reserve space before delivery
7. Transition Training: Complete 15-25 hours Bonanza-specific training

Sources and Citations

1. PlanePhD (2025). "BEECHCRAFT G36 BONANZA - Specifications, Performance, Operating cost, Valuation" - Comprehensive aircraft valuation and operating cost data. Retrieved from https://planephd.com/wizard/details/836/BEECHCRAFT-G36-BONANZA-specifications-performance-operating-cost-valuation
2. BWI Aviation Insurance (2025). "Beech Bonanza Insurance Cost" - Current insurance premium data by pilot qualifications. Retrieved from https://bwifly.com/beech-bonanza-insurance-cost/
3. Simple Flying (2025). "What Makes The Beechcraft Bonanza Such A Popular Aircraft?" - Aircraft history and specifications. Retrieved from https://simpleflying.com/beechcraft-bonanza-guide-2025/
4. Beechcraft Aircraft (2025). "Bonanza G36 Specifications" - Official manufacturer specifications and features. Retrieved from https://www.beechcraft.com
5. AOPA (2025). "Beechcraft Bonanza Fact Sheet" - Aircraft specifications and industry recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.aopa.org

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, insurance costs, and fuel prices fluctuate based on market conditions, location, and individual circumstances. Consult with aviation lenders, insurance brokers, and aircraft mechanics for personalized quotes. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct thorough due diligence and professional inspections before purchasing any aircraft.