Beechcraft Bonanza G36 vs Cessna 172 Skyhawk vs Cessna 182 Skylane vs Piper Seminole

The Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and Cessna Skylane (typically the 182) sit in the high-performance single-engine piston touring category, offering longer legs and higher useful loads than basic trainers. The Bonanza G36 is usually the most upscale and fastest of the group, with a typical range around 700–900 nautical miles depending on power settings and reserves, and seating for six, making it well-suited to comfortable family or business travel. The Cessna Skyhawk (typically the 172) is the classic four-seat trainer and personal aircraft. It trades speed and range for simplicity, lower operating costs, and forgiving handling, with typical range roughly 500–700 nautical miles and seating for four. The Cessna Skylane is a step up from the Skyhawk: still generally four seats, but with more power, better climb, and more payload for real-world trips, and typical range in the 700–900 nautical mile neighborhood. The Piper Arrow is a four-seat complex, retractable-gear single often used for instrument and commercial training. Its range commonly falls around 500–700 nautical miles, with trip capability between the Skyhawk and the bigger touring singles.