Hi everyone: I'm Kevin from eastern Colorado I currently own a RV8, but need to buy or trade into a more family friendly airplane. I don't know much about Bonanza's so thought I would join this forum to learn more. I also view ABS not sure the difference or the reason why there are two forums, but this one seems very active.

Looking forward to learning
Kevin

Welcome Kevin!

You will find lots of info here for sure!

This forum far superior to ABS. They are hampered by a poor user interface and not much traffic. ABS does have a lot of technical info online that can be helpful.

Kevin, this is the place.

If you'll post some details, the folks here can help drill down to a Bonanza that would fit your needs.

Size of family? Age/size of children?

Typical flights taken. Distance, VFR or IFR, family tolerance for long legs?

Your piloting experience.

And, the big one -- budget.

Tom: Family size is 4 including myself, kids are 3yr & 5yrs, but still looking for a 1200 or better useful load because kids seem to grow fast. Right now IFR is a consideration but not a requirement more so for me to get current again. Probably would fly it 50 hrs a year to visit relatives with longest leg being 500 nm. I have been looking at J35 through V35's, but guess my practical choice would be a N or P. My interest would be in a S or V35. Piloting experience is around 3000 hours, but mostly Ag. Ag flying has kind of curbed my desire to just go fly, but if family could come along may open several flights/trips/hour of use.
Budget I guessing my RV8 should be worth 78,000 so somewhere in that range. I could see going plus or minus 15,000 of that figure for a trade or the right aircraft.

Whats the groups thoughts on running off of unimproved strip with Bonanza's?
What about the 550 converstion I think that would be a going machine, but wonder about loss of useful load with weight of big engine and semi rough sod strip.

Also my field elevation 5000' with DA's close to 8,000 in summer.

I looked at Mooneys for a while and noticed they had Certified Service Stations. Is there anything similiar for Bonanza's or recomended shops for pre-buys?

Thanks
Kevin

Welcome. Field elevation is a big thing, so the more horsepower and load carrying capabilities, the better. Even though IFR is not a consideration now, to equip an aircraft down the line will be expensive. The Bonanza gives you most bang for the buck.

You're really looking for a 550 powered 36. 6 seater because the 4 seaters don't always carry 4 with fuel and baggage. Buyers market right now.

Many here may tend to agree that independent Bonanza mechanics will help keep your overall costs as low as possible vs the factory servicenters. You'll learn why he more you read.

Welcome.

I assume you've looked at the other running thread about high altitude operations with family aboard? Sounds like a similar situation, lots of good advice there.

When the Bonanza was originally designed, paved runways weren't all that common, so the plane was designed to "lean backward" a little to provide better prop clearance, and the LG is extremely robust.

I'm attaching a descriptive document that I found a while back.

Just a couple of comments..

First, welcome. As Tom said, as folks understand more of the specifics you'll get better advice.

Comments regarding what's been discussed so far:

1. Don't count on the 550 being heavier. "It depends".
2. A Bonanza is a traveling machine. You mentioned getting IFR current, I highly recommend it. You can get by without it but a Bonanza will fly from one air mass to another quickly and being prepared for IMC is a very good idea. In addition you'll find your insurance is cheaper if you're IFR current (there's data in that one fact!).
3. As others have mentioned, the Bonanza gear was designed for unpaved fields.
4. With a rough field at 8000da, make sure you have lots of length and/or think about a turbo (prolly not in an 80k budget though).

Dan

Kevin, welcome to BeechTalk. You've found the right place!

Paul,

Thanks for that document. It was an interesting read.

"Might as well get a Bonanza, you will eventually anyway." Pretty much says it all.

Welcome.

We have members here who have made similar transitions ... Paging Bryan Wood!

I am sure you will find some great options.

My Bonanza is a '74 "Piper Tailed" A36 - not as sexy as a V-tailed variant but has some advantages for a family man. I love it! But will someday transition to a V purely for sex appeal.

Happy hunting and welcome to BT.

-MO

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