Beechcraft G36 Bonanza Cost of Ownership: Premium Six-Seat Personal Aircraft
The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza represents the ultimate evolution of the legendary Bonanza line, combining Beechcraft's storied heritage of reliability with modern Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit avionics, pressurization capability, and six-seat comfort. First produced in 2006 and continuously refined through 2024, the G36 is the choice of discerning pilots who demand the finest in personal aircraft. Here's the comprehensive financial picture of ownership.
Cost Overview: Beechcraft G36 Bonanza
Purchase Price (Used)
$400,000–$895,000
Annual Fixed Costs
(100 hrs)
$12,000–$14,000
Hourly Operating Cost
$280–$320/hr
Fuel Burn
16.3 GPH
Purchase Cost: Investing in Legendary Quality and Modernity
The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza was introduced in 2006 as the modern incarnation of the iconic Bonanza line. The G36 features the integrated Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit standard on all airframes. Multiple variants are available including naturally aspirated and turbocharged models.
Current Market Prices (2024-2025):
Used Beechcraft G36 Bonanza aircraft range from $400,000 (older 2006-2010 models with higher hours) to $895,000 (well-maintained 2015-2020 examples with low hours and optional equipment). Typical good-condition G36 examples from 2008-2015 average $500,000-$700,000. Turbocharged variants cost more. Brand-new G36 models cost approximately $925,000.
What Affects Pricing: Engine time since major overhaul is critical. Aircraft with 0-400 SMOH command premiums. Avionics—the G1000 NXi glass cockpit is standard, but recent upgrades add value. Interior condition and paint quality substantially impact pricing. Pressurization system condition (on pressurized variants) affects value. Turbocharged versus naturally aspirated significantly impacts acquisition cost and insurance.
Fuel Consumption and Operating Economics
The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza's exceptional fuel economy for a six-seat aircraft is one of its primary advantages, reflecting modern engine efficiency and aerodynamic refinement.
Fuel Burn Specifications:
The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza burns approximately 16.3 gallons per hour at cruise power (75%), making it one of the most fuel-efficient six-seat aircraft available. This translates to fuel costs of:
- At $5.00/gallon: $81.50 per flight hour
- At $5.40/gallon: $88.02 per flight hour
- At $6.00/gallon: $97.80 per flight hour
Fuel represents approximately 40-50% of hourly variable operating costs. The G36's exceptional efficiency combined with its six-seat capability makes it extraordinarily economical for family travel and light business missions.
Engine Overhaul and Maintenance
The Beechcraft G36 uses a modern Continental powerplant with excellent reliability and well-established overhaul costs.
Engine Specifications:
All G36 Bonanza variants use Continental IO-550-B engines producing 300 HP with 1,700-hour TBO. Engine overhauls cost approximately $18,000-$24,000. Engine reserves should be budgeted at approximately $15.46 per flight hour.
Annual Maintenance:
Annual inspection typically costs $1,500-$2,000. Total annual maintenance including inspection, routine maintenance, and reserves averages $4,000-$5,500. Modern Bonanza systems are well-supported by technicians worldwide.
Why G36 Maintenance is Straightforward: Continental engines are widely supported. The G36's modern design uses proven components. Garmin glass cockpit systems are supported globally. Beechcraft technical support is excellent. Many technicians specialize in Bonanza maintenance, ensuring availability and expertise.
Insurance and Pilot Requirements
Annual Insurance Costs:
Insurance for a Beechcraft G36 Bonanza ranges $7,500-$8,500 per year for comprehensive hull and liability coverage. The G36's modern safety systems and excellent safety record keep insurance costs reasonable relative to the aircraft's higher value.
Pilot Requirements: Private pilot license required. For pressurized variants, pressurization endorsement may be required by some insurance carriers. Minimum experience and currency requirements vary by insurance company.
Total Cost of Ownership: Beechcraft G36 Bonanza
Annual Scenario: 100 Hours Flying/Year
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (16.3 GPH @ $5.40/gal) | $8,802 | $88.02 |
| Oil & Misc Variable | $400 | $4.00 |
| Engine Reserve | $1,200 | $12.00 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $1,500 | $15.00 |
| Annual Inspection | $1,550 | $15.50 |
| Insurance | $8,000 | $80.00 |
| Hangar Storage | $2,000 | $20.00 |
| Subscriptions & Misc | $750 | $7.50 |
| TOTAL | $24,202 | $242.02 |
Annual Scenario: 200 Hours Flying/Year
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (16.3 GPH @ $5.40/gal) | $17,604 | $88.02 |
| Oil & Misc Variable | $800 | $4.00 |
| Engine Reserve | $2,400 | $12.00 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $3,000 | $15.00 |
| Annual Inspection | $1,550 | $7.75 |
| Insurance | $8,000 | $40.00 |
| Hangar Storage | $2,000 | $10.00 |
| Subscriptions & Misc | $750 | $3.75 |
| TOTAL | $36,104 | $180.52 |
At 200 annual hours, total ownership costs run approximately $36,104 per year, with per-hour costs dropping to $180.52. This demonstrates the exceptional value proposition of the G36 for active personal pilots.
Why Own a Beechcraft G36 Bonanza?
- Legendary Quality: Bonanza heritage of reliability and craftsmanship
- Modern Avionics: Standard Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit
- Six-Seat Capacity: Comfort and utility for family and business travel
- Exceptional Efficiency: Outstanding fuel economy at 16.3 GPH
- Pressurization: Available pressurized variants for high-altitude flight
- Safety Features: Modern systems and excellent safety record
- Resale Value: Strong market and excellent residual values
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a used Beechcraft G36 Bonanza cost?
Used Beechcraft G36 Bonanza aircraft range from $400,000 to $895,000 depending on model year, total airframe hours, engine time, and avionics. Typical good-condition G36 examples from 2006-2015 average $500,000-$700,000. Earlier models and higher-hour examples cost less. Brand-new G36 models cost approximately $925,000.
How much fuel does a Beechcraft G36 Bonanza burn?
The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza burns approximately 16.3 gallons per hour at cruise, making it remarkably efficient for a six-seat aircraft. This translates to fuel costs of roughly $88-$98 per flight hour at current Avgas prices of $5.40/gallon, among the lowest for aircraft in its class.
What is the Beechcraft G36 engine overhaul cost?
The G36 Bonanza uses a Continental IO-550-B engine with 1,700-hour TBO. Engine overhaul costs approximately $18,000-$24,000. Engine reserves should be budgeted at approximately $15-$20 per flight hour.
What are annual insurance costs for a Beechcraft G36?
Annual insurance for a Beechcraft G36 Bonanza ranges $7,500-$8,500 depending on pilot experience, hull value, and coverage. Insurance costs are higher than for older Bonanza models due to the aircraft's higher value.
What is the total annual cost to own a Beechcraft G36?
At 100 hours of annual flying, total ownership costs average approximately $28,000-$32,000 per year, or $280-$320 per flight hour. Higher utilization reduces per-hour costs significantly, with 200-hour users experiencing per-hour costs around $200.
Is the Beechcraft G36 suitable for personal and business travel?
Absolutely. The G36 Bonanza is the perfect six-seat aircraft for executive travel, family trips, and business missions. The Garmin glass cockpit, pressurization capability, and reliable performance make it ideal for serious personal and business aviation.
What is the useful load for a Beechcraft G36?
The Beechcraft G36 has a useful load of approximately 1,700-1,900 pounds depending on configuration and fuel load. This allows carrying six occupants with baggage and reasonable fuel reserves.
How does the Beechcraft G36 compare to other premium singles?
The G36 offers Bonanza build quality, iconic design, and exceptional reliability. Compared to alternatives like the Cirrus SR22, the G36 offers superior useful load and payload. The G36 represents the gold standard of premium single-engine aircraft.
Ready to Own a Beechcraft G36 Bonanza?
The Beechcraft G36 Bonanza represents the pinnacle of premium single-engine aircraft ownership. With legendary quality, modern systems, and exceptional efficiency, the G36 delivers the finest personal aviation experience.
Use our affordability calculator to evaluate Beechcraft G36 financing options and determine ownership feasibility for your aviation goals.
Sources and Citations
1. Pilot Passion - Beechcraft G36 Bonanza Cost of Ownership (2025)
Comprehensive pricing analysis and operating cost breakdown for G36 variants.
2. PlanePhD - Beechcraft G36 Bonanza Specifications & Valuation
Detailed PAPI pricing estimates and performance data across model years 2006-2024.
3. Conklin & de Decker - Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Operating Costs
Professional operating cost analysis and maintenance specifications.
4. Aircraft Cost Calculator - Beechcraft Bonanza G36 Operating Costs
Detailed hourly and annual operating cost models with multiple utilization scenarios.
5. AOPA - Beechcraft Bonanza Ownership and Operation Guide
General aviation authority resources for Bonanza ownership and flying information.
Note on Pricing and Data: This article reflects market conditions and pricing as of October 2025. Aircraft values, fuel prices, and insurance rates fluctuate based on market conditions. All figures represent typical cases and should be verified with current quotes before making purchase decisions.