Bonanzas reach us from long-term owners, from estates, and from pilots who have moved to something simpler to keep current. V-tail 35s, straight-tail 33s and the six-seat A36 all come through, usually with a Continental IO-470, IO-520 or IO-550, a panel updated at least once, and an annual anywhere from current to a few years lapsed. The airframe is built heavy and holds its value, so condition decides which buyer we place it with rather than whether it sells.
What moves the number on a Bonanza
Engine and overhaul history. The IO-470, IO-520 and IO-550 carry recommended TBOs of 1,500 to 1,700 hours depending on model. Tell us the SMOH, who did the work, and whether it was a field overhaul or a factory engine. A Continental that has sat for several years gets a borescope and an internal look before it flies, and we arrange that.
V-tail or straight tail. Buyers treat these as different airplanes. On a V-tail we ask for the ruddervator balance records and any tail modification paperwork; on a 33 or A36 we ask about the same control surfaces in less detail. Either way it is a records question, and missing records change the route rather than the answer.
Retractable gear and its history. The Bonanza's electric gear is robust but wants its maintenance history: gear motor, actuator, and any gear-up landing with its repair paperwork. A recorded, properly signed-off repair is a known quantity.
Panel and ADS-B. Bonanzas are flown IFR and cross-country, so the panel carries weight. A certified navigator, an autopilot and ADS-B Out widen the buyer pool; an original panel puts it in front of buyers who plan an upgrade. Both are fine — tell us which you have.
How a Bonanza gets to us
With a current annual, a ferry pilot with complex and high-performance endorsements flies it out under our insurance. With a lapsed annual, we arrange the mechanic's inspection, the logbook entry and a special flight permit through the local FSDO. If the engine is doubtful or the airplane has been outdoors for years, the wings come off and it moves on a flatbed. Every route is at our cost.
What the first call covers
What you can deduct for this aircraft
Bonanzas almost always sell rather than being retained, so most donors deduct the gross proceeds reported on Form 1098-C. Even a tired Bonanza usually clears $5,000, so plan on a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 Section B. Budget for the appraisal as your own expense; the IRS requires it be independent of us, so we cannot choose or pay for yours.
We sign Section B as the recipient charity, and the IRS requires your appraiser be independent of us.
Rules for aircraft gifts are in IRS Publication 526, valuation in Publication 561. Nothing here is tax advice — confirm your figures with your CPA. How the deduction works · FAA paperwork
Other models in this class
Start with the N-number
We will pull the registry record before we call you back.