Beechcraft Bonanza 36 / A36 / G36 vs Cessna 182T Skylane
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
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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).
- +Six-seat capacity with double cargo doors — most versatile single-engine piston aircraft
- +176 KTAS cruise speed with 920 nm range — genuine cross-country performance
- +Excellent parts availability and mechanic familiarity — still in production as G36
- !Spar carry-through cracks are the single most significant structural concern for A36 models
- !Higher annual operating costs ($20k–$30k/year) and expensive overhauls limit affordability
- !Aging fuel cell bladders and landing gear actuators on mid-to-high-time airframes require planned replacement
Cessna 182T Skylane
The 2001-present Cessna 182T is the **current production 182** and the first Skylane with a glass cockpit (Garmin G1000) from the factory. The 182T inherited the 182S's airframe, Lycoming IO-540 engine, 3,100 lb gross, and 88+ gallon fuel system, then upgraded the panel to G1000 (and later G1000 NXi starting around 2014), added GFC 700 autopilot integration, and refined production quality. Approximately 1,200+ examples have been delivered through 2026, and production continues at modest volumes (40-80 units per year).
- +Current production 182 with factory G1000/G1000 NXi glass cockpit
- +GFC 700 autopilot integrated; modern avionics capability without retrofit
- +Proven IO-540 engine, well-supported with 2,000 hr TBO
- !G1000 database and software updates require ongoing subscription and maintenance
- !GFC 700 autopilot repairs are specialized and costly
- !IO-540 cylinders can develop compression issues at mid-time; expensive overhaul ($32K–$42K)
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