BUYING A BEECH BONANZA (AS OF 1997)

Not many airplanes look good from the rear, but the Bonanza is certainly one that does. Despite the never-ending controversy over the strength of the V-tail, it was unquestionably an elegant design that won the hearts and wallets of thousands of American pilots. Combine good looks with good performance and efficiency, and you had all the ingredients for a marketing success.

Even today, early Bonanzas are among the most in-demand airplanes ever built. The 1947-49 185 hp Bonanzas were solid 145-knot airplanes that could carry two plus-two in reasonable comfort. The original V-tails had only 39 gallons capacity, but that was enough for four hours, plus reserve, adequate for 650 sm cross-country trips.

Like so many late-'40s models, the early Bonanzas lost value in the crowded '60s and '70s, but have gained ground in the '80s and '90s. Today, you can expect to pay at least $25,000 for a bare-bones '47 model, $30,000 to $35,000 for a sharp '49 airplane.

Construction Tips! Carefully roll the fuselage top especially around the upper corners (see cross section) before gluing. Curve the windscreen for a easier fit to the tabs. The wing center section is there to make dihedral easily. Roll the upper wings and that center section before gluing. Form the spinner around a pencil tip. Noooo problem.

Beechcraft Model 35 Bonanza

WICHITA, KANSAS, USA
Beechcraft's amazingly successful Bonanza has been in continuous production since 1947 and is one of the few light aircraft still being made in the United States. Many versions have been produced during the course of its run. These vary in engine size, accommodation, performance, equipment, and even in the design of the distinctive V-tail (a conventional tail is also available). Comfortable, fast, and reasonably affordable, the Bonanza ranks as one of the most popular light aircraft of all time.

This one was a little harder because of the way the fuselage is assembled. Everything had to be put in through the front, about like a ship in a bottle I messed up the door, getting it opened, and I will do this one over. Worth mentioning. In particular, the side windows are done differently than the windshields and bubble canopies. I sketch out the side windows on the back side of the clear tape. Then I cover the inside of the cut out window on the model with a strip of tape. I then cut out the sketched window panels and put them on the outside of the individual windows. I sometimes use clear plastic sheet cut to fit on the outside.

---

Crew: 1 Capacity: 3 passengers Length: 25 ft 2 in Wingspan: 32 ft 10 in Height: 7 ft 7 in Wing area: 178 ft² Empty weight: 1,675 lb Max takeoff weight: 2,725 lb Powerplant: 1× Continental E-185-11, 205 hp Performance Maximum speed: 191 mph Stall speed: 63 mph Range: 779 mi Rate of climb: 1,100 ft/min

 

The wreckage of the Beechcraft Bonanza airplane that carried Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson (the "Big Bopper") and Ritchie Valens.