What is the annual operating cost of a Beechcraft Bonanza?

For 100 hours/year, expect $35,000–$42,000 in total operating costs. Bonanzas cost 25–35% more than Cessnas due to higher fuel burn, more complex systems, and premium insurance. Higher resale value offsets ownership costs.

How much fuel does a Bonanza burn?

G36 models burn 8–9 gal/hr; legacy IO-550 Bonanzas burn 7.5–9 gal/hr. Fuel cost at $6.50/gal ranges $49–$59/hour. Bonanzas are fuel-hungry compared to Cessnas, but offer 140+ mph cruise.

What is Bonanza engine TBO?

Continental IO-550: 2,000 hours TBO (~$28,000–$35,000 overhaul). Lycoming O-360/O-540 variants: 2,000 hours (~$22,000–$28,000). Engine reserve $14–$18/hour.

How much does Bonanza insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $2,000–$3,500 for $200,000–$280,000 hull value with 500+ pilot hours. Low-time pilots: $3,000–$5,000/year. Bonanzas are performance aircraft; insurers charge accordingly.

What are common Bonanza maintenance issues?

Vacuum pump failures, pressurized cabin system maintenance (if equipped), landing gear overhauls (retractable gear common), alternator issues. Budget $20–$30/hour for maintenance.

Can you finance a Beechcraft Bonanza?

Yes. A $250,000 Bonanza at 6.5% APR over 7 years costs ~$3,750/month ($45,000/year). Down payment 15–20% typical. Lenders favor Bonanzas for strong resale.

What is Bonanza useful load?

Typical: 1,200–1,400 lbs (6 seats, 4 occupants with full fuel). G36 models are heavier, useful load ~1,100 lbs.

How does Bonanza cost compare to Cessna 172?

Bonanzas cost 30–40% more to operate but cruise 30% faster (140+ vs. 100 mph). Performance premium justifies cost for cross-country flying and business use.

What is Bonanza TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$80,000–$87,000 annually (operating + debt service). By year 8 (loan paid): ~$37,000–$42,000/year.

Should you buy new or used Bonanza?

Used (10–20 years old) offers best value: $200,000–$280,000 vs. $600,000+ new. Maintenance costs similar; depreciation much lower on used models.

The True Operating Cost of Beechcraft Bonanza

The Beechcraft Bonanza is the benchmark for single-engine performance and reliability. Plan for $35,000–$42,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $350–$420 per hour. Higher fuel burn, more complex systems, and premium insurance make Bonanzas costlier than Cessnas, but their speed (140+ mph), resale value, and reputation justify the premium for business and cross-country owners.

Quick Specs: Beechcraft Bonanza (G36 / Legacy IO-550)

Specification	G36 / IO-550 Models
Engine	Continental IO-550 (300 hp) / Lycoming O-360 (180 hp, legacy)
Fuel Burn (cruise)	8.0–9.0 gal/hr (G36) / 7.5–8.0 gal/hr (legacy)
Cruise Speed	145–160 mph (G36) / 120–135 mph (legacy)
Useful Load	1,100–1,300 lbs
Seats	6
Range	1,200–1,600 nm (with reserve)

TL;DR: Beechcraft Bonanza Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $15,000–$20,000/year (insurance $2,500–$3,500, hangar $4,500–$6,000, annuals $1,500–$2,000, avionics $600–$1,200)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $20,000–$22,000/year (fuel, oil, mx reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $35,000–$42,000/year (~$350–$420/hour)
At 50 hours: ~$27,000–$31,000/year (~$540–$620/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$55,000–$64,000/year (~$275–$320/hour)
Finance a $250,000 Bonanza: Add $3,750/month ($45,000/year) at 6.5% over 7 years

What Counts as Operating Cost

Bonanza operating costs are higher than single-engine trainers due to performance engines, sophisticated avionics, and premium maintenance.

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $2,000–$3,500/year for $200,000–$280,000 hull value with 500+ pilot hours. Low-time pilots pay $3,000–$5,000/year.
Hangar/tie-down: $4,500–$6,000/year hangar (Bonanzas benefit from hangar protection); $1,200–$2,400/year tie-down
Avionics subscriptions: $600–$1,200/year (G1000 NXi, weather radar subscriptions)
Annual inspection: $1,500–$2,500 labor (retractable gear, pressurization systems, complex avionics add cost)

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Fuel (G36): 8.5 gal/hr × $6.50/gal = ~$55/hour
Oil and filter: $4–$6/hour (Continental IO-550 consumes more oil)
Engine reserve: $14–$18/hour ($30,000 overhaul ÷ 2,000 TBO)
Propeller reserve: $6–$8/hour (CS prop, ~$10,000 overhaul)
Maintenance & incidentals: $20–$30/hour (vacuum system, pressurization, alternator, landing gear)
Landing fees: $5–$15/landing

Financing: A $250,000 Bonanza at 6.5% APR over 7 years costs ~$3,750/month ($45,000/year). Down payment 15–20% standard.

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Fuel Burn and Hourly Cost

Bonanzas are fuel-hungry compared to trainers but offer 40% faster cruise speed, justifying higher hourly burn for business travel.

Fuel Cost Calculation

Example (G36 at cruise):

Fuel burn: 8.5 gal/hr
Fuel price: $6.50/gal
Hourly cost: 8.5 × $6.50 = $55.25/hour

Annual Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours	Gallons (G36)	Cost @ $6.50/gal
50	425	$2,763
100	850	$5,525
150	1,275	$8,288
200	1,700	$11,050

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Engine TBO and Overhaul

Continental IO-550: 2,000 hours TBO; overhaul $28,000–$35,000
Constant-speed propeller: ~$10,000 overhaul at 1,500+ hours
Reserve math: $30,000 ÷ 2,000 = $15/hour engine reserve

Common ADs and Maintenance

Pressurization system: If equipped (P/M models), $2,000–$4,000 overhauls every 5 years
Landing gear: $3,000–$5,000 inspection/overhaul every 500 hours if retractable
Vacuum pump: $400–$600 replacement at 500–800 hours
Annual inspection: $1,500–$2,500 (more complex than Cessna/Piper)

Insurance & Storage

Insurance Premiums

$250,000 hull, 500+ hours, private use: $2,000–$2,800/year
$250,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $3,000–$4,200/year
Business/charter: +40–60% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Hangar (recommended)	$375–$500	$4,500–$6,000
Tie-Down	$100–$200	$1,200–$2,400

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$17,500	$9,000	$26,500	$530
100	$17,500	$18,000	$35,500	$355
200	$17,500	$36,000	$53,500	$267.50

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $250,000 Bonanza, 6.5% APR, 7 years = $45,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$35,500	$45,000	$80,500	$805
200	$53,500	$45,000	$98,500	$492.50

Financing the Bonanza

Bonanzas hold value exceptionally well, making them attractive for financing despite higher purchase price.

Purchase price: $200,000–$350,000 (depends on year, avionics, engine time)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $200,000–$280,000
Term: 7–10 years
APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $2,800–$4,000

Lender Requirements

Aircraft lenders like JakenAviation typically require:

600+ credit score
Commercial pilot preferred (private minimum)
$150,000+ annual income
Hull insurance ($200,000+ coverage)
Appraisal and pre-purchase inspection

Alternatives to Consider

Cirrus SR22: Similar price and performance; lower fuel burn (6.5 gal/hr). Parachute system adds $15K but insurance may be cheaper.
Piper M350: Pressurized twin-engine; higher fuel burn (18 gal/hr combined) but twin-engine safety and ice capability.
Cessna 210: Retractable single, lower cost to acquire (~$180K used), similar fuel burn to older Bonanzas.

FAQs

Is a Bonanza a good investment?

Yes. Bonanzas appreciate or hold value better than most singles. Excellent resale market. True 7-year cost of ownership competitive with Cessnas when accounting for speed premium and business use.

What is the best year Bonanza to buy?

2010–2015 models offer best value: technology (G1000 NXi) at ~$220K–$260K. Pre-2000 models cheaper but vacuum systems less reliable. Newer G36 models ($500K+) justify cost only for heavy IFR use.

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Sources: Beechcraft Performance Specifications | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS Database