Beechcraft Bonanza 36 / A36 / G36

The Beechcraft Bonanza 36 is the stretched, six-seat version of the Bonanza — 10 inches longer than the 33/35, with a standard sixth seat and double aft cargo doors that make it one of the most versatile single-engine piston aircraft ever built. Introduced in 1968 as the Model 36, it evolved through the A36 (1970-2005) and the current G36 (2006-present with Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit).

The Bonanza 36/A36 occupies a unique niche: it's the premier six-seat single-engine piston aircraft, combining true six-seat capability with Bonanza handling, cross-country speed, and the practicality of double cargo doors. For pilots who need to carry more than four people or bulky cargo while maintaining speed and range, the A36 is often the only realistic answer short of a twin or turboprop.

The G36 continues in production today as the longest continuously produced aircraft in history (the Bonanza line dating to 1947). New G36s list around $925,000 with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics standard.

Total 36-series production exceeds 4,500 aircraft.

The A36 with IO-550-B delivers 176 KTAS at 75% power — genuinely fast for a six-seat single. Real-world economy cruise at 55-60% power yields 160-165 KTAS on 12-13 GPH, with 920 nm maximum range.

The A36 is heavier than the F33A by approximately 250 lbs empty weight (the stretched fuselage and larger cabin add structure). This makes it slightly slower in climb and slightly longer on takeoff rolls, but the tradeoff is six seats and double cargo doors.

The B36TC turbocharged variant can maintain 75% power to FL200+, where it achieves true airspeeds approaching 195 KTAS. The turbo models also have an increased gross weight of 3,850 lbs, providing better useful load. However, they add turbo system complexity and maintenance cost.

The G36 performs identically to late A36 models but adds the Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit as standard equipment — a $80,000+ avionics suite installed at the factory.

A36 (IO-550-B, 300HP, 80 gal fuel):

The A36's six-seat capability comes with physics: six adults with full fuel exceeds gross weight. Typical six-passenger operations require reduced fuel loads (55-60 gallons provides 600+ nm range). Two or four adults with full fuel provides outstanding range with generous baggage allowance. The double cargo doors make loading easy, but the weight limit is the practical constraint.

The B36TC's higher gross weight (3,850 lbs) provides additional 200 lbs of useful load, making six-passenger operations more practical.

• Flight Training (2): Too expensive and complex for primary training. Only suitable for advanced multi-engine transition or complex/HP endorsement.
• Backcountry (2): Low-wing retractable with 68 KIAS clean stall. Not designed for unimproved strips despite rugged construction.
• Business Travel (9): The definitive owner-flown business single. Six seats, double cargo doors for luggage, 176 KTAS cruise, excellent range, IFR capable. The A36 is the single-engine equivalent of a small business jet for regional travel.
• Aerobatics (1): Not aerobatic certified. Utility category only.
• Cross-Country (9): Outstanding. 920 nm range at cruise, 176 KTAS, comfortable cabin for long legs. One of the best cross-country piston singles available.
• Cargo Hauling (7): The double aft cargo doors are a game-changer. 400 lbs baggage capacity, easy loading of oversized items. The most cargo-friendly piston single short of a Cessna 206/207. The doors accept items that simply won't fit through conventional Bonanza doors.
• Local Fun Flying (7): Classic Bonanza handling, responsive and enjoyable. The A36 is larger and heavier than the 33/V35, making it slightly less sporty, but still a joy to fly.
• Surveying (4): Low-wing limits downward visibility. Fast cruise requires power reduction for slow-speed survey work.

• Early A36 (1970s-80s): Often still with round gauges. Common upgrades: Garmin GTN 750Xi/650Xi, GI-275 or G5 flight instruments, GFC 500 autopilot. Upgrade investment $40,000-$100,000+.
• Late A36 (1990s-2000s): Often already upgraded with GPS and modern autopilot. GTN stack common.
• G36 (2006+): Garmin G1000 NXi standard. Built-in PFD/MFD, WAAS GPS, integrated autopilot (GFC 700). No avionics upgrades needed — the factory panel is state-of-the-art.
• B36TC: Similar upgrade paths to A36, often with additional engine monitoring for turbo system.

• IO-550 conversion (early A36): For IO-520-equipped models, conversion to IO-550-B (300HP) provides 15HP increase, better climb, and slightly better cruise. Cost ~$79,000 installed.
• Tip tanks: Multiple STCs add 20-40 gallons, extending range and increasing gross weight. Popular on A36s used for long cross-country work.
• Speed mods: Gap seals, cowl closure seals, vortex generators. Same Bonanza speed mod ecosystem.
• Turbo-normalization: Tornado Alley Turbo (TAT) offers turbo-normalization STCs for NA A36 models. Provides full sea-level power to altitude without the complexity of factory turbo systems. $40,000-$60,000 installed.
• 4,000 lb gross weight STC: Available for some A36 models, increasing gross weight from 3,650 to 4,000 lbs. Significant payload improvement.
• Air conditioning: Keith Products A/C available via STC. Near-essential for the larger cabin.

• Annual inspection: $3,000-$6,000 base. The A36's larger airframe and systems add slightly to inspection time vs the F33A.
• Parts availability: Excellent — still in production as the G36. Textron Aviation provides factory support, and the aftermarket is robust.
• ABS membership: Essential. Same excellent type club support as other Bonanza models.
• Mechanic familiarity: Common — the A36 is one of the most popular high-performance singles, and most experienced shops know it well.
• Annual operating cost: Typical all-in cost (fuel, maintenance, insurance, hangar) runs $20,000-$30,000/year depending on utilization and location.
• Expensive items: Engine overhaul ($42,000–$58,000), prop overhaul ($4,000-$6,000), fuel cells ($3,000-$8,000 per side), spar repair if needed ($15,000-$30,000+), landing gear overhaul ($6,000-$12,000).

The A36/G36 line spans an enormous price range based on era:

• 36/Early A36 (IO-520, 1968-1983): $130,000-$240,000. Entry-level A36 ownership.
• Late A36 (IO-550, 1984-2005): $200,000-$450,000. The sweet spot for value.
• B36TC: $200,000-$400,000. Turbo models trade at similar or slight premium to NA.
• G36 (2006-2015): $500,000-$750,000. Garmin G1000 cockpit.
• G36 (2016+): $700,000-$900,000+. Near-new condition, G1000 NXi.
• G36 (new): ~$925,000 base.

Key value adjusters per Aircraft Valuation Methodology:

• Spar carry-through inspection history: Clean inspection history critical. Repairs reduce value.
• IO-550 vs IO-520: IO-550-equipped models command $20,000-$30,000 premium
• Cargo doors condition: Good seal condition important
• G1000 vs retrofitted glass: Factory G1000 (G36) commands premium over retrofitted A36
• Turbo-normalization (TAT): Adds $25,000-$40,000
• 4,000 lb gross weight STC: Adds $10,000-$20,000

Key ADs:

• Spar carry-through inspection: Models 36 and A36 (serial E-1 through E-2397) require recurring inspection of wing forward spar carry-through structure for cracks. Initial at 1,500 hours, recurring every 500 hours. Repairs required for any identifiable cracks — no allowable crack limits.
• Fuel cell inspections: Bladder-type fuel cells require periodic inspection and eventual replacement.
• Landing gear inspections: Actuator and rigging inspections.

Common Problems:

• Spar carry-through cracks: The A36 and Baron are the models most commonly found needing spar crack repair. This is the single most significant structural concern for A36 ownership.
• Landing gear: Same electric system as other Bonanzas. Aging actuators and microswitches.
• Fuel cells: Bladder deterioration. The A36's larger fuel system means more cells to maintain.
• Double cargo door seals: The aft cargo doors can develop seal leaks over time, causing drafts and noise.
• Nose gear shimmy: Common on higher-time A36s. Shimmy damper replacement resolves it.

Per GA Insurance Underwriting:

• Hull insurance: $2,500-$5,000/year for typical hull values ($200,000-$500,000). Higher values (G36) proportionally more.
• Liability: $1,000,000 smooth typically $500-$900/year.
• Pilot minimums: Instrument rating, 500+ hours total, retractable/complex experience, 10-25 hours in type.
• Straight-tail advantage: Same favorable rates as F33A — no V-tail surcharge.
• Six-seat consideration: Some underwriters consider passenger count for liability — carrying 5 passengers increases exposure.