RV-10 vs '97 Bonanza

[slaw76]

My first post here, pardon the intrusion with yet another this-vs-that, but I'm in a pickle and seeking an honest advice.

Recently my wife approved our first aircraft budget of $260k. With that, I'm assuming I should be able to get the -10 kit and equip it. I was just about to pull the trigger on the kit but then a random opportunity came along to get a '97 A36 Bonanza with outdated avionics. After limited upgrades and initial maintenance the A36 acquisition should cap at $300k.

The plane will mostly be used for work; we travel two times a week, 1-4 hours at a time for consulting. My wife also rides horses competitively so relies on my delivering her to places (that's probably the reason why she approved the budget ). Putting the thrill of building your own aircraft aside, specially if you have flown a Bonanza, would you go for the new RV-10 and have it "the way you like" or given the opportunity, would you trade it for a used A36? The -10 has a better mpg which is a plus given its mission, maintenance is cheaper specially if done "in house" and the insurance is probably less too. We are scheduled to visit the Van's factory in Feb '20 and get a demo, weather permitted.

I'm still in flight school expected to get my PP license early next year.

Any thoughts or experiences to share greatly appreciated.

[Carl Froehlich]

Fly the 10 go fly one with your wife, add up standard yearly costs to own a Bonanza, take a look at how thick a wallet you have, then decided.

If nothing else, I would never own any spam can simply for the gross cost to maintain it. As a simple example, go price what it would cost to replace the fuel valve for this Bonanza.

Side note, for the mission you describe you must get your IFR ticket regardless of which plane you do.

Carl

[rocketman1988]

I would choose the RV-10, hands down.

I have owned quite a few GA aircraft over the years, including a Bonanza, and will probably not own another certified aircraft...

For $260k, you will be able to have a really nice RV-10, no matter if you build or buy...

[N941WR]

Handling, speed, maintenance costs, etc. asside (which all tilt in favor of the -10), I'm 5-11 with broad shoulders and have found that I simply don't fit in a Bonanza.

The issue is the sides curve inwards towards the top and push my shoulders intowards the center. After a long flight, my back is killing me because of the awkward seating position. The -10 is much more comfortable for me for long trips.

One additional bonus for the -10, a friend has a Barret built IO-540 that dyno'ed at over 280 hp. When he built his -10, he added AC, which is a nice option. Because of the extra horse power, he doesn't bother turning off the AC until he is at cruise, which makes for a much more comfortable flight for everyone. (He has also hauled a big block in the baggage compartment for a car he is restoring.)

For the price your CFO has approved, you could buy a really nice -10 and perform any upgrades you feel it needs.

Good luck and welcome to VAF.

[Mark Dickens]

I've owned two 36 model Bonanzas and I loved both of them. Great planes, easy to land, very durable. I'd own another for sure. My wife won't fly with me in the -8 (although I think she's beginning to soften on that since I haven't killed myself yet), but she loves the Bonanza. She sits in the back with her feet up on the opposite seats and reads her Kindle the whole flight.

I've never flown a -10 so can't comment on that, but given your mission, I'd seriously consider the Bonanza. The "barn doors" in the back make it extremely easy to load and you can easily remove the back seats for hauling a lot of stuff. The plane was originally designed for load hauling and is certified in the utility category. The downside of the Bo is cost of maintenance and the avionics. Even the G-36 models are behind the times with the G-1000 suite since the software is rarely updated by Beech. I love the plane and might own another before it's all said and done.

[rongawer]

Congratulations on the budget approval! You can build a pretty snazzy -10 for that.

I've owned both a Bonanza and a Baron - loved them both. However, it's a pretty easy statement to say that an RV-10 and a Bonanza are in the same ballpark regarding airframe performance. Both are honest four-place aircraft, although the Bonanza has some better utility with the extra space in the back and the "small people seats" (I loved the barn doors). The RV-10 will have better climb and cruise performance, along with improved economy for the same airspeeds.

However, while you can save money with a -10 versus a Bonanza - especially in parts and labor once you start getting into fun things like starter adapters ($5K from Continental) or landing gear main knee bolts ($360 from Beechcraft) - the whole point of E-AB is supposed to be education and recreation, both of which I thoroughly enjoy.

If your main interest is simply owning and operating an RV-10 vs a Bonanza, I wouldn't spend the years building, but rather go buy nicely made and flying RV-10; there are some for sale.

Building an airplane is a huge time and effort commitment - even with a quick-build. If you buy an already made experimental airplane, you can still do all the maintenance yourself and just hire an A&P to do the condition inspection.

BUT, if you want to say you built it yourself, and you're ready for a lifestyle change (seriously), then get after a 10.

I will say that becoming a new pilot and building an airplane all at the same time is taking a big bite of aviation; you should consider joining a local EAA chapter for some support on the adventure.

[mbell]

If both planes are sitting on the ramp in front of you, this crowd is going to say go for the RV. Even on the Beech forum you might get the same advice. But if you are talking about a flying Bonanza versus starting from scratch with a kit, that's another whole argument. Conventional wisdom is build a plane because you want to build, not because you want an airplane.

[RickWoodall]

If you are spending $300k, and dont even have a lic yet and intend on flying a couple work missions a week. You have a LOT on your plate. Write the cheque and move forward with the bonanza.

You can always upgrade to an rv down the road when time frees up. To fly that much for work you need to get a lot of experience and ratings so focus on that and pay the price to hang with the certified kids. Just my opinion.

[digidocs]

I have a lot of RV-10 experience and in your case I'd recommend the Bonanza. It'll get you flying right away and will be a reliable honest airplane with lots of room and a big baggage door.

If you decide down the line to go RV-10, you can always sell the Bonanza when you're ready.

[rocketman1988]

Why not just write the check for a flying RV-10?

Then no upgrade is necessary, and the considerable amount of cash that will be required to keep the relic flying won't be wasted...