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Beechcraft Bonanza: Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Bonanza ownership carries premium costs reflecting the aircraft's sophisticated systems and advanced capabilities. Understanding complete ownership costs—from fuel to maintenance to insurance—is essential for evaluating total investment. This comprehensive guide breaks down every expense category and provides realistic cost projections for different usage patterns.
Fuel Costs & Consumption
Bonanza fuel consumption reflects its powerful IO-550 or TIO-550 engines.
Fuel Burn Profiles
- 75% power cruise: 15-16 gph
- 65% power cruise: 13-14 gph
- 55% power cruise: 11-12 gph
- Typical cross-country: 13-14 gph average
- Annual cost (100 hrs @ $6/gal): $9,360-10,920
Maintenance & Overhaul Reserves
Bonanza maintenance reflects more complex systems than entry-level aircraft.
Annual Inspection Costs
- Simple annual: $3,500-5,000
- Typical annual: $5,000-7,500
- Complex annual: $7,500-12,000+
- Maintenance reserve: $30-50 per flight hour
Engine Overhaul
- IO-550 overhaul: $20,000-28,000
- TBO: 2,000 hours
- Reserve per hour: $10-14
Insurance Requirements
Bonanza insurance reflects premium aircraft status and value.
Insurance Costs
- Hull insurance: 3-5% of aircraft value annually
- Typical hull premium: $5,000-9,000/year on $180,000 aircraft
- Liability: $1,000-1,500/year
- Total annual insurance: $6,000-10,500
Hangar & Storage
- Hangar cost: $600-1,200/month typical
- Annual storage: $7,200-14,400
- Tie-down option: $150-300/month if available
Total Operating Cost Analysis
Complete ownership cost projection for different usage patterns.
Annual Operating Cost (100 hours)
- Fuel: $9,600
- Maintenance: $3,500
- Engine reserve: $1,000
- Insurance: $7,500
- Hangar: $10,800
- Misc: $500
- TOTAL: $32,900/year
- Per flight hour: $329/hour
With Loan Payment (150,000 purchase)
- Loan payment: $950/month
- Total monthly: $3,200
- Annual with loan: $38,300-40,000