This 1980 Beechcraft F33A Bonanza Is a Long-Legged ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Classic cross-country traveler is built for the long haul with upgraded 300 hp IO-550 and Osborne tip tanks.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:31 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1980 Beechcraft F33A Bonanza [Credit: Carolina Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

The article features a 1980 Beechcraft F33A Bonanza, chosen for its "rock-solid stability" and traditional handling, distinguishing it from the V-tail models.
This specific aircraft has been upgraded with a 300 hp Continental IO-550-B engine and 20-gallon Osborne tip tanks, increasing fuel capacity to 114 gallons for impressive 800-mile cross-country flights.
Its cockpit is engineered for long-duration missions, featuring a dual-Garmin GNS 530W/430W suite, a KFC 200 autopilot with GPS steering, and ADS-B/SiriusXM for comprehensive situational awareness.
Listed at $209,000, the F33A Bonanza is offered as a complete ownership package, including practical features like a large baggage door, engine protection systems, and Bonanza school for new high-performance pilots.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1980 Beechcraft F33A Bonanza.

In the world of classic Bonanzas, the V-tail usually gets the glory, but the straight-tail F33A is the pilot’s secret for rock-solid stability and traditional handling. This 1980 model takes that stable foundation and turns it into a relentless cross-country machine.

Rather than sticking with the factory-standard performance, this airframe has been upgraded to the 300 hp Continental IO-550-B, a modification that transforms the F33A into a short-field capable climber that thrives at higher altitudes.

That extra horsepower is only useful if you have the legs to match it, which is where this specific Bonanza truly separates itself from the pack.

To complement the power of the IO-550—which features GAMIjectors and an Insight Graphic Engine Monitor for precise leaning—the aircraft is equipped with 20-gallon Osborne tip tanks. This brings the total fuel capacity to a massive 114 gallons, allowing for 800-mile legs that leave other piston singles stuck.

The cockpit is engineered to handle these long-duration missions without fatiguing the pilot.

Navigational duties are handled by a dual-Garmin suite featuring a GNS 530W and 430W, but the real star for the long-haul flyer is the KFC 200 autopilot. Enhanced with GPS steering and a yaw damper, the system allows the pilot to transition from stick-and-rudder to manager of the mission the moment the wheels are in the wells. Situational awareness is kept sharp via a Garmin GTX-345 for ADS-B weather and traffic, alongside a GDL 69A for SiriusXM satellite data.

The utility of the aircraft isn’t limited to the panel, though.

1980 Beechcraft F33A Bonanza [Credit: Carolina Aircraft]

The inclusion of the large baggage door means that the 3,955-hour airframe is as practical as it is fast, easily carrying gear for a family of four. This sense of practicality extends to the engine’s longevity as well, with a Tanis preheater and a pre-oiler system installed to protect the investment during cold New England starts.

Listed at $209,000, this F33A is being sold as a complete ownership package rather than just a tail number. The sale includes Bonanza school, a vital addition for any pilot stepping into the high-performance tier for the first time.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.