Hello, I am a newbie to this forum . I don't own a Bonanza ....YET! I am in the process of doing my homework on the earlier models ( obviously because of $$$) I have been reading some of the posts about " issues" with the E series engines and the electric props versus the AD hydraulics. I haven't yet narrowed my search and would like to ask the community of older Bonnie owners. a question Given the same basic characteristics and the same basic price range which of the engine/ prop combinations would be considered better and why ??? Should I consider an older one with an O-470 instead of the E series engine
I know that older bonanzas will all have some issues like parts location/availability , cost etc. but I am trying to rationalize which should /would I prefer?. I am not currently type rated in the bonnie but have access to a friends newer model with an IO 570 in it .Obviously it will perform completely different than an older one but I figure that if I can learn on that I should be able to handle a less powerful one .
I am aware of Lew Gages book and plan on ordering it . I have always loved the Bonanza V tails and would love to own one Ideally I'd like to find one from 1955 to 1960, but would look at an older one if it were the right price and condition.
I also have one other question . What is the useful life of the airframe , meaning TT AF
( assuming regular maintenance inspections and no corrosion issues etc.)
Thanks for any and all information that you can offer .

You will never reach the useful life of the airframe so cross TTAF off your list of concerns.

There are 3 things that are important when looking at an old Bonanza:

Condition

Condition

Condition.

Also, if it is a hangar queen, do not buy it. They rust, rot and corrode if not flown regularly.

Welcome Pedro!

There are a lot of people that can help and a lot of information in other threads perhaps too. Enjoy the hunt!

Welcome Pedro,

You'll hear a lot of differing opinions on early Bonanza's. I'll share a short version of my story in case it might help.

In the mid 90's as a private pilot I decided it made more sense to own an airplane to accumulate my advanced ratings than constantly renting. I looked at early Mooneys and Bonanzas primarily because I wanted a fast plane that I could get my Commercial pilot rating in but would also be well suited as an instrument platform.

I found a 56' G35 owned by a CFI in Arkansas with a recent engine overhaul that needed additional basic maintenance. My thinking was if the bones and motor were good, I could do supervised maintenance and learn as I went along. First priority was getting the flap motor working as I was basing the plane in Florida on a 2,500' grass strip. In all honesty, my plane selection was more good fortune and luck than careful considered research.

Over the years I've owned it I've put in new floorboards, new interior, fuel bladder, a couple cylinders, significantly upgraded engine and fuel flow instruments, had the prop overhauled once and am just now upgrading to an injected E225 and hydraulic prop after over 2,000 hours behind the original Beech 215 electrically controlled prop. I've never run the numbers to justify my initial premise that owning was better than renting but I believe it to be the case. I've used 03B to get my Instrument, Commercial, CFI/CFII and single engine ATP ratings, in addition I've flown it all over the US and into Canada. It's been my economical magic carpet allowing me to learn basic airplane maintenance over the years through owner assisted annuals while burning less expensive mogas. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Good luck with your search and don't be afraid of the early birds. Parts and experienced mechanics are getting harder to find but certainly not impossible. There is a wealth of published material and if you're mechanically inclined, the education will be invaluable.


-Mark

Regarding cost of ownership now and probably more so in the future, earlier Bonanzas (through G model) are able to run ethanol free car gas by STC which they love. Beginning with the C model, structural upgrades, more HP and a change in the chord and angle of the tail make them preferable. The electric prop does take some getting used to but works well if operated and maintained properly. Parts are available but might take a little searching. The earlier Bonanzas are lighter and more responsive (though less powerful and not as roomy) than later models. Enjoy the hunt for the one that's right for you!