Some say the hardest thing for an artist to draw is the human hand, because it is the part of our body that we are all most familiar with. Simulating the Beechcraft Bonanza V-tail is like drawing that human hand. Additionally, there are many Bonanza variants through history with owners that
know their airplane in some ways better than they know themselves.
Yet we all interpret life around us differently, including how an airplane feels to each pilot. It is up to us, at A2A, to not just create an airplane that objectively performs in line with the actual airplane, but to capture that human feel and interaction with the real airplane. We have to somehow magically capture that experience that applies to all pilots. And Accu-Sim technology allows us to achieve this better than anything we’ve used before.
Beyond modeling a specific airplane, the Bonanza history is surrounded with tales and stories developed over many decades, some are true and some not. Probably the most common nick name the Bonanza V-tail is known for is being the “doctor killer.” When the Bonanza was first introduced, it was unlike anything anyone has ever seen in the general aviation market. And for the decade following it’s release, successful businessmen and professionals were buying the Bonanza in great numbers. Many of these pilots had primary careers that demanded a great deal of their time, not leaving much room for flying. And like many “weekend warriors” today who spend the whole week sitting behind a desk then go out and play a sport on the weekend, injuries erupt. The same holds true for the busy professional working all week who then decides to occasionally fly a high performance airplane like the Beechcraft Bonanza V-tail.
The V-tail Bonanza was built from World War II fighter technology, which was designed for highly trained professional pilots. And like most Warbirds, the Bonanza want so fly fast, all the time. Unlike general aviation aircraft that were developed in later years to have benign flight characteristics, the Bonanza inherently has all of the challenging qualities of the World War II fighter. From my point of view, flying a Bonanza is just like flying a Warbird. It rumbles, shakes, rattles, is heavy and can bite the low time pilot in a heart beat. Therefore it’s this writer’s opinion that the new pilot should approach flying a V-tail Bonanza exactly the same as approaching an aircraft like a P-51 Mustang. The V-tail Bonanza, like the Warbird, is designed for experienced pilots who take the time to study and fly and operate such an aircraft with organization, patients, and preparedness.
For those pilots who do approach the V-tail Bonanza with the respect it deserves, it will reward the pilot with an experience unlike any other aircraft in the general aviation fleet today. It is for this reason the V-tail Bonanza still stands alone today, as it did on the first day it was introduced to the public.
We hope our work on this aircraft meets and exceeds all of our customers expectations, and also hope this aircraft delivers not weeks or months, but years of excitement, wonder, surprise, and the most complete simulated aviation experience to date. Thank you to all of our customers for allowing us to pursue our dreams, and hopefully help pass our dreams onto you too.
monacos-franz –
And they did it again. A2A exceeded my expectations with this release. One might ask why do we need another high power piston single with retractable gear since the Comanche is such a piece of art. But the V-tail Bonanza is a totally different beast. With the dutchroll tendencies the V-tail brings you need to fly this Bonnie differently then any other A2A plane. And the new gauge simultion is just amazing. You cannot rely on the readings of a single instrument anymore but have to judge the situation as a complete picture. Absolutely amazing.
bobbeals1000 (verified owner) –
Wow!!! I’ve been waiting for this aircraft and my expectations were blown out of the water. This airplane is NOT easy to fly!! I love the Comanche, but this is a whole ‘nother ballgame. The graphics are exactly what you’d expect from A2A, and the performance is amazing as well. If you’re into GA flying, this is a must!!! My Dad flew a Bonanza and it’s like being back by his side. Thank you, Scott and the whole gang at A2A!!!
vftlm001 (verified owner) –
Yet again A2A has raised the bar on realism. This is not a beginner’s aircraft by any means however it can be hand flown and is a solid IFR platform while being very fun to fly. I have about a half hour flying one in real life and I’m impressed with both the looks and sounds. I flew it for several hours before posting this review and I must say that I’m loving it along with every aircraft in the entire A2A fleet. Thank you to the whole A2A family (team?) for building this aircraft for those of us whom love the GA flying.
aviationatwar (verified owner) –
I’m not a GA pilot. While I do enjoy the occasional GA flight, my interest has always been with warbirds. When the Bonanza was released I bought it on release day because I wanted to check out the newest Accusim features and to support A2A. I was quickly consumed with it and have flown it almost solely for more than six months now, racking up 100 hours on the plane in just a few of those months – rivaling the time I put on the Mustang and B-17 when they were new. The Bonanza is a lot of fun to fly and it’s cruise speed is a bit higher, a good thing for those who are impatient like me! The new maintenance hangar method of having to inspect the aircraft to actually see what needs repaired is great, as is the choice of engines and the gauge accuracy/damage is also a great new addition. The Bonanza is another great example of why A2A aircraft are high above the rest.
Dale Zehring (verified owner) –
Oh yes , the V Tail Bonanza. My dad flew one for a small company in the 70s. And My uncle was part owner of one as well. I cannot say enough, as I had the chance to fly the real thing. This plane leaves nothing out as far as real, and owning it. From engine sounds, to flight characteristics, they are identical. I take this one on cross country flights often. My fav is N228Q, and I am still active flying it right now. To own this one, and maintain it is a great experience.
Bob Powell (verified owner) –
After learning to add mesh, global scenery, vector, etc. (many trials and errors) and finally getting FSX looking really good I decided to roll the dice and purchase a plane worthy to fly in this new world. I’m not a pilot and have only flown as a passenger so I admit I bought the Bonanza because it looks wicked and sounded like it would be a huge learning curve for me. Well, from using EZ GPS prior, clicking 2 buttons and buzzing around aimlessly this plane has delivered the goods. I’ve actually started downloading and studying manuals for things like a King KFC 200 Flight Director/Autopilot and am beginning to learn the basics of starting up a sim plane properly. With the recommended settings for flight realism and learning this airplane a new door into flight has opened and my curiosity is stoked. Oh, and yes I have stalled many times, hit the ground hard on my first landings damaging the prop and more. Doctor killer indeed. Now I’m reading about oils…
wgsheridan (verified owner) –
Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised as I already own quite a few Accusim products but once again I am amazed by the unprecedented quality of this aircraft both visually and in terms of system replication and depth. The team at A2A just continue to push the boundaries and add additional layers of immersion to each new aircraft that they develop. Of importance to FSX dinosaurs like me (and users of other 32-bit platforms), A2A have managed to do all of this and still produce an aircraft with a low VAS footprint (other developers of ‘systems deep’ aircraft please take note!). For anyone still on the fence about purchasing the Bonanza, I can recommend the A2A version without reservation.
et31 (verified owner) –
An absolutely fantastic aircraft, challenging but definitely rewarding when you get it right! Well done A2A…. again!
Tomas Linnet –
The V-tail is the newest generation of Accu-Sim, so many small details that made me go WOW. One of the most recognisable GA aircraft and a must have for FSX. Sound, and modeling is, as always, made to a really high standard. The options in the hangar makes it possible to customise the aircraft to your likings, and I really like the fact that you’ll have to ask your private mechanic to inspect the aircraft, so pay extra attention during preflight! 🙂
5 out of 5 from me.
Enjoy your flight!
-Tomas
Urbano Medeiros –
My favorite plane, I am waiting for the MSFS version be quick please!!!