Model Years 1970, 1971

Top speed at sea level……204 MPH
Maximum recommended cruise power……75% (214 HP)
Cruise speed at 75% power at 6500 feet (optimum altitude)
full throttle, 2500 RPM……195 MPH
Standard fuel capacity……50 gallons
Maximum range (at 167 MPH at 10,000 feet)
with standard tanks……530 miles
with extended range tanks (80 gallons total)……980 miles
(Ranges include allowance for warm-up, taxi, takeoff, climb, and a 45-minute reserve at 45% power.)
Gross weight……3600 pounds
Empty weight (includes standard avionics)……2023 pounds
Useful load……1577 pounds
Stall speed (landing, full flaps)……64 MPH
Rate of climb at sea level…… 1015 feet per minute
Service ceiling……16,000 feet
Airspeed limits
Maneuvering……160 MPH
Maximum structural cruising……190 MPH
Never exceed……234 MPH
Flaps extended (normal)……140 MPH
Landing gear extended (normal)……175 MPH
Fuel……100/130 octane minimum

The original Beech factory approach to marketing the Model 36 was to advertise it as an aerial moving van, an air taxi, a carry-all, an ideal charter air plane for the fixed base operator. Although the Model 36 was all of these, this marketing approach didn’t sell many airplanes. Most of the firms in the business of charter and air taxi were captive, that is, they were dealers for one of the major airplane manufacturers. Few Piper and Cessna dealers could be swayed into using a Model 36 in their business, and the Beech outlets would use it anyway without this marketing appeal.

Beginning with 1970 production the Model 36 became the A36 and acquired a new look. All the plushness associated with the “V” tail Bonanzas (an interior which had been optional on the first 36s) became standard to the A36. Advertising emphasis was shifted to the owner market which had bought so many Bonanzas over the years.

Features differentiating the A36 from its predecessor are a three-light landing gear down indication system, a redesigned lower instrument panel, new improved engine and fuel quantity instruments (Baron type), and a quick opening cowling. The A36 also features optional internally lighted instruments and standard electroluminescent instrument panel placard lighting for brighter, more uniform night lighting. Empty weight is up over the Model 36, otherwise performance is unchanged.

1.Ball, Larry A., Those Incomparable Bonanzas, McCormack and Armstrong, Co.,Inc. 1971.