Beechcraft Bonanza G36 vs Cessna 182 Skylane vs Piper Seminole

The Beechcraft Bonanza G36, Cessna Skylane (typically the 182), and Piper Arrow (PA-28R) all sit in the personal, single‑engine general aviation category, but they serve slightly different missions. The Bonanza G36 is a higher‑performance, six‑seat, fixed‑gear cross‑country aircraft, generally offering the greatest speed and a solid traveling range, making it well suited for longer trips with more people or baggage. The Cessna Skylane is also a fixed‑gear single, commonly configured for four seats (sometimes with optional smaller rear seating depending on model and loading), and is valued for its utility and load‑carrying flexibility; its range is typically competitive for cross‑country flying, though its cruising speed is usually lower than the Bonanza’s. The Piper Arrow is a complex, retractable‑gear four‑seat airplane often used for training and efficient personal travel; its range is generally adequate for regional cross‑country flights, but it typically trails the Bonanza and often the Skylane depending on exact fuel and engine variants.