Beechcraft Bonanza A36

Overview

The Beechcraft Bonanza A36 is a six-seat, retractable-gear, single-engine land airplane built for personal transport and longer cross-country work. Its 300 hp Continental IO-550-B engine and retractable landing gear place it well beyond the basic trainer category. The rear cabin and larger baggage arrangement are central to the A36 loading question, not just a passenger-count detail.

This record uses an IO-550-B A36 model basis. Bonanza equipment, serial range, engine installation, avionics, and individual modifications can change the aircraft's weight and performance. A generic Bonanza number should not be substituted for the POH and current records of a specific airplane.

Performance

The stated cruise figure of 170 kt and range figure of 920 nm are book values under the source conditions and power setting. Actual range changes with altitude, mixture, wind, temperature, loading, engine condition, and reserve planning.

The A36 climb references are VX 80 KIAS for angle and VY 96 KIAS for rate. The aircraft's retractable gear and higher cruise speed also make configuration management part of performance planning. The POH charts should be read with the current weight and atmospheric conditions. A calculator can support study, but it does not replace the approved performance data.

V-speeds

The reference schedule lists VNE 205 KIAS, VNO 176 KIAS, and VA 128 KIAS at the maximum weight basis. Maneuvering speed changes with weight. The flap limit for this model basis is VFE 123 KIAS.

The VX, VY, and VA glossary entries explain the terms. The current POH, placards, and aircraft-specific limitations control.

Weight and balance

The published useful load of 1,415 lb supports more occupants than a four-seat trainer, but six seats do not mean six adults plus full fuel and baggage fit in every A36. The 74 gal fuel capacity is a major part of the loading calculation. Rear-seat occupants and baggage can also move the center of gravity enough to matter independently of total weight.

Use the actual aircraft's empty weight, arms, fuel quantity, occupant weights, and baggage stations in a current loading calculation. The weight and balance calculator is for training and reference only.

Training notes

The A36 adds retractable landing gear, a higher cruise speed, a six-seat cabin, and more complex loading decisions to the transition from a basic trainer. The pilot must manage gear configuration, energy, and engine operation at speeds that leave less time for casual checklist use. These are aircraft characteristics to train for, not a verdict about a particular operation.

Variants

The F33A and A36 share Bonanza design features but use different cabin and performance bases. Turbocharged models require separate engine and high-altitude data. Keep a distinct page whenever the POH and model-specific numbers differ materially.

Sources

The structured values use the Beechcraft Bonanza A36 Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual for the IO-550-B basis, with model context from FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A15. Confirm the applicable revision, serial range, and aircraft records before using any figure.