Beechcraft Bonanza F33A

Beech introduced the Bonanza 33 series in 1960 as the straight-tail variant of the V-tail Bonanza family. The original Model 33 used the Continental IO-470. Production iterated through the Debonair (basic equipment package), then the A33, B33, C33, C33A, E33, and F33A as the engine and equipment refinements progressed. The F33A specifically introduced in 1970 with the Continental IO-520-BB at 285 hp.

Production ran continuously from 1970 through 1995, making the F33A one of the longest-produced Bonanza variants. The straight tail simplified maintenance and eliminated the V-tail AD compliance burden. Beech sold both the F33A and V35B in parallel through 1982, then continued F33A production alone after the V35B was discontinued. The F33A's combination of Bonanza performance and simpler handling made it the volume Bonanza for the 1980s and early 1990s.

Beech ended F33A production in 1995 as the lineup consolidated around the larger A36 (six-seat Bonanza family). The F33A became a used-market-only buy after 1995. The fleet has remained popular with cross-country pilots who specifically want a Bonanza without the V-tail. Many F33As have been engine-converted to IO-550 power via STC for the additional 15 horsepower and slightly improved engine economics.

The F33A cruises at about 172 KTAS at 75% power, burning 14 gph of 100LL. At long-range cruise (65%), the airplane drops to about 158 KTAS on 12 gph. The F33A is roughly 3 to 5 knots slower than the V35B due to the V-tail's slight drag advantage. IO-550 STC conversions add about 5 knots and meaningfully improve climb performance.

Useful load on an F33A is about 1,100 to 1,200 pounds. Full fuel (74 gallons usable) leaves about 660 to 760 pounds for people and bags. Four adults of typical weight plus moderate luggage fit within gross. Range with reserves is about 800 nm at long-range cruise. The F33A's combination of Bonanza performance, simpler handling than the V-tail, and the IO-520 / IO-550 engine economics make it one of the better four-seat cross-country airplanes in its acquisition range.

The Continental IO-520-BB is the original engine on the F33A. Six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, fuel-injected, direct-drive piston rated at 285 hp at 2,700 RPM. Continental's published TBO is 1,700 hours (1,900 hours for serial number 1006000 and later) per Continental Service Information Letter SIL 98-9E. Many F33As have been STC-converted to IO-550-B or IO-550-C engines (300 hp).

Field overhauls at Western Skyways, Gann Aviation, or other reputable Continental shops run $48,000 to $65,000 in 2026 prices for the IO-520-BB. The IO-550 conversions add about $15,000 to $25,000 over a straight IO-520 overhaul but eliminate the IO-520 case-crack concerns and add 15 hp. Pre-buy case inspection essential on IO-520-equipped F33As.

Oil consumption on a healthy IO-520-BB or IO-550 runs about 0.4 to 0.6 quarts per hour. The engine reaches TBO routinely when operated regularly. Cylinder work at 1,100 to 1,400 hours common on hard-flown engines. The Hartzell three-blade or McCauley three-blade constant-speed propeller requires overhaul concurrent with the engine at $3,500 to $5,500.

Plan on $225 to $315 per flight hour at 100 hours a year of utilization, all-in. The F33A's operating cost is comparable to the V35B with slightly lower maintenance due to the simpler tail configuration. Fuel and oil run about $80 to $100 per hour at 14 gph and $5.50 to $7 for 100LL. Engine overhaul reserve is $25 to $33 per hour. Prop overhaul reserve adds $2.00 to $3.00 per hour. Airframe maintenance reserve is $35 to $55 per hour due to gear-system maintenance and Beech parts pricing.

Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add another $70 to $130 per hour at 100 hours a year of utilization. Insurance on the F33A is moderate. First-time Bonanza owners pay $3,500 to $6,500 a year typically. Established Bonanza pilots with 200+ hours in type pay $2,500 to $4,500.

Acquisition cost in mid-2026: Earlier F33As (1970-1985) with mid-time engines run $130,000 to $185,000. F33As with fresh engines and modern Garmin panels run $185,000 to $245,000. Late-production F33As (1990-1995) with low hours and recent panels run $215,000 to $290,000. IO-550 STC-converted aircraft trade at $20,000 to $40,000 premiums over original IO-520 examples.

American Bonanza Society is essential. Annual dues run about $80. ABS provides type-specific pre-buy guidance, engine overhaul shop recommendations, and the BPPP recurrent training programs.