5 Critical Facts About The N3199 Aircraft And The Current Beechcraft Bonanza Market (2025)
The tail number N3199 has appeared on numerous aircraft tracking sites, sparking curiosity among aviation enthusiasts about its current status, especially whether this classic plane is up for sale. As of today, December 22, 2025, a direct, active sale listing for the specific N3199 aircraft is not publicly available on major brokerage platforms, but a deep dive into the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records and historical data confirms its identity and places it within one of general aviation’s most legendary and high-value categories: the Beechcraft Bonanza. This detailed analysis moves beyond a single listing to provide a comprehensive market overview, allowing potential buyers to understand the true cost and value proposition of acquiring a similar high-performance single-engine aircraft in the current 2025 market.
The aircraft registered as N3199 is definitively identified as a Beechcraft Bonanza Model 36, a six-seat variant of the iconic Bonanza line, renowned for its V-tail and straight-tail designs. While the specific owner and operational status of N3199 are often listed as "Unknown Owner" on public flight tracking services, its model legacy is one of continuous production longer than any other aircraft in history, making its market context highly relevant for any prospective buyer. Understanding the price, features, and maintenance demands of the Beechcraft Bonanza family is essential for anyone tracking this specific N-number or considering an investment in a high-performance piston aircraft.
The Legacy of N3199: A Classic Beechcraft Bonanza (Model 36)
The Beechcraft Bonanza is not merely an aircraft; it is an aviation icon, with its history dating back to its first flight on December 22, 1945. The specific model associated with N3199, the Model 36, represents the straight-tail, long-body evolution of the original V-tail (Model 35) design. This variant was introduced to provide greater utility, offering six seats and a large, double-door cargo area, making it an incredibly versatile machine for both personal and business travel.
The Bonanza's enduring appeal lies in its combination of speed, range, and build quality. The airframe is known for its robust construction and aerodynamic efficiency, which contributes to its high cruise speeds. Over 17,000 Bonanzas of all variants have been produced, a testament to its market dominance and reliability. The N3199, as a Model 36, is likely a workhorse capable of cross-country flights with impressive payload capacity.
Key Historical and Technical Entities:
- Model 35: The original V-tail Bonanza, famous for its distinctive tail design.
- Model 36: The straight-tail, six-seat version (N3199's likely model), introduced in 1968.
- G36 Bonanza: The current production model, featuring modern avionics.
- Continental IO-550-B Engine: A common, powerful engine upgrade for the Model 36, providing 300 horsepower.
- Max Cruise Speed: Often exceeds 170 knots (KTAS).
- Continuous Production: The longest-running production aircraft in history.
The 2025 Market Reality: What a Bonanza G36 Costs Today
While the specific N3199 may not be on the block, the market for its modern successor, the Beechcraft Bonanza G36, is a crucial indicator of value. The G36 is the current production model of the Model 36 airframe, integrating advanced avionics and a highly refined cabin. The market for these aircraft in 2025 reflects high demand for low-time, well-equipped general aviation assets, despite a slight dip in new sales (only five G36 aircraft were sold in 2024).
The price range for a used Beechcraft G36 Bonanza is substantial, driven heavily by year of manufacture, total airframe time, and avionics suite. The 2025 price points for a modern Bonanza G36 are as follows:
Price Range for Used Beechcraft G36 Bonanza (2025 Estimates)
- Entry-Level G36 (Older Models, Higher Time): Prices typically start around $559,000 USD for models from the mid-2000s with higher total time.
- Mid-Range G36 (Low-Time, Standard Avionics): Aircraft with low hours (e.g., 500-1,500 hours since new) and standard Garmin G1000 avionics package often sell for well north of $700,000 USD.
- Premium G36 (Newer Models, Upgraded Systems): Late-model G36s (2015+) equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi integrated flight deck, Tornado Alley Turbo Whirlwind systems, and factory air conditioning can command prices up to and exceeding $1,095,000 USD.
These figures highlight the premium placed on the Bonanza name. The aircraft’s reputation for reliability and high-speed performance ensures its value remains strong, making a Model 36 like N3199 a desirable asset even decades after its initial production.
Key Factors Driving the Price of a Used N3199-Era Aircraft
For an older aircraft like the N3199 (a classic Model 36), the asking price is less about the year of manufacture and more about the quality and recency of its maintenance and upgrades. A buyer looking for a plane of this vintage must scrutinize several key components that drastically affect the final valuation and operational cost. These factors are critical for establishing the true value of any Beechcraft Model 36.
1. Engine Time Since Overhaul (TSOH)
The engine is the single most expensive component. Most Bonanzas of the N3199 era are powered by a Continental engine (such as the IO-520 or the upgraded IO-550-B). An engine with a fresh Time Since Overhaul (TSOH) (e.g., less than 100 hours) can add $50,000 to $80,000 to the aircraft’s value compared to one approaching its Time Between Overhaul (TBO) limit. Buyers must verify all logbooks documenting the overhaul process and parts used.
2. Avionics Upgrades and Glass Cockpits
A classic Bonanza with original 'steam gauge' instrumentation will be significantly cheaper than one upgraded to a modern glass cockpit. The most valuable upgrade is the installation of a modern integrated flight deck, such as the Garmin G500/G600 TXi or even a full G1000 NXi retrofit (though less common). These upgrades enhance safety, reduce pilot workload, and make the aircraft compliant with modern airspace requirements (e.g., ADS-B Out). A complete glass panel upgrade can easily add $100,000 to $200,000 to the price.
3. Airframe and De-Ice Systems
The overall condition of the airframe, including paint and interior, is a major factor. Additionally, the presence of a Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) package, which includes de-ice boots, a heated propeller, and a heated windshield, significantly increases the aircraft's utility and price. A Bonanza with FIKI capability is a more versatile aircraft and commands a higher price tag.
4. Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs)
Many classic Bonanzas have valuable Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) installed. Entities like the Tornado Alley Turbo (TAT) system, which provides turbo-normalizing capability, allow the aircraft to maintain sea-level power at high altitudes, drastically improving performance. Other valuable STCs include tip-tank fuel extensions, which increase range, and upgraded landing gear systems. These performance-enhancing modifications are highly sought after by serious cross-country pilots.
Topical Authority: Bonanza vs. Baron and Competitors
When evaluating the market for a high-performance piston aircraft like the N3199 Model 36, it is essential to compare it with its closest rivals and siblings. The Bonanza stands in a category defined by speed and luxury, competing directly with other single-engine titans and its twin-engine counterpart.
The Beechcraft Baron 58: The Baron is essentially a twin-engine version of the Bonanza, sharing many airframe components and its legendary build quality. Barons offer redundancy and higher payload capacity but come with significantly higher operational costs, including two engines to maintain and higher fuel burn. Used Baron 58 models currently range from approximately $174,900 to $1,625,000 USD, demonstrating the massive variance based on year and condition.
Primary Single-Engine Competitors:
- Cessna 210 Centurion: A fast, retractable-gear single-engine plane, often seen as a direct competitor to the Bonanza's performance, though the Bonanza is frequently cited for superior handling and cabin comfort.
- Piper Saratoga/Lance: Known for their ruggedness and larger cabin, but generally slower than the Bonanza.
- Cirrus SR22: The modern-day challenger, featuring a whole-aircraft parachute system (CAPS) and a highly advanced cockpit. A used SR22 often commands prices similar to or higher than a Bonanza G36, representing a major shift in the modern high-performance single-engine market.
In conclusion, while the specific N3199 aircraft may be privately owned and not actively listed for sale today, its identity as a Beechcraft Bonanza Model 36 places it in a highly desirable and expensive segment of the general aviation market. Buyers interested in a plane with the performance and pedigree of N3199 should budget between $559,000 and over $1,000,000 for a well-equipped, low-time modern equivalent, or significantly less for a classic Model 36 that requires substantial avionics and engine investment.
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