Last Updated: 4 days ago
← Back to Aircraft Database| General Characteristics | |
| Type | Civil and Commercial Aircraft, Light Aircraft |
|---|---|
| National Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Textron Aviation |
| Status | In production |
| Introduction | 1962; 64 years ago (1962) (206) |
| Number Built | over 8509 (as of approx. 2006) |
| Developed From | Cessna 210 |
| Capacity & Dimensions | |
| Cockpit Crew | one |
| Typical Seating | five passengers |
| Overall Length | 28 ft 3 in (8.61 m) |
| Wing Span | 36 ft 0 in (10.97 m) |
| Wing Area | 175.5 sq ft (16.30 m) |
| Overall Height | 9 ft 3+1⁄2 in (2.832 m) |
| Weights, Powerplant & Performance | |
| MTOW | 3,600 lb (1,633 kg) |
| OEW | 2,176 lb (987 kg) |
| Engines | 1 × Lycoming IO-540-AC1A naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six engine, 300 hp (220 kW) |
| Typical Cruise Speed | 163 mph (262 km/h, 142 kn) at 6,200 ft (1,900 m) (75% power) |
| Max. Speed | 174 mph (280 km/h, 151 kn) at sea level |
| Range | 840 mi (1,350 km, 730 nmi) at 6,500 ft (2,000 m) (max fuel, 45 min reserves) |
| Service Ceiling | 15,700 ft (4,800 m) |
The Cessna 206 is a rugged single-engine utility aircraft known for its strong load-carrying ability, high-wing design and practical cabin layout. It belongs to the well-known Stationair family and has served private owners, commercial operators, government agencies and special mission users for decades.
Cessna designed the aircraft for pilots who needed more capability than a typical four-seat piston aircraft could provide. Therefore, the Cessna 206 became popular with operators that needed six seats, cargo flexibility, short-field performance and dependable piston-engine operation.
The aircraft has appeared in several versions over its long history, including the early Super Skywagon, Stationair, Turbo Stationair and modern Turbo Stationair HD. Although exact specifications vary by model year and configuration, the current turbocharged version gives a useful picture of the aircraft’s modern capability.
Cessna 206 General Characteristics
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Single-engine utility piston aircraft |
| Main Category | Light Aircraft |
| Additional Category | Civil and Commercial Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Textron Aviation |
| National Origin | United States |
| Aircraft Family | Cessna 206 / Stationair family |
| Current Model Reference | Cessna Turbo Stationair HD / T206H |
| Crew | One pilot |
| Maximum Occupants | 6 |
| Primary Roles | Private flying, utility transport, cargo, special missions and float operations |
| Configuration | High-wing, fixed landing gear, single-engine piston aircraft |
The Cessna 206 uses a simple but effective layout. Its high wing improves downward visibility and gives good ground clearance. In addition, the fixed landing gear keeps the aircraft mechanically straightforward. These features make the aircraft useful for remote strips, utility flying and operations where durability matters more than high cruise speed.
Cessna 206 Cabin and Utility Role
The cabin is one of the strongest parts of the aircraft’s design. The Stationair family can carry up to six occupants, depending on configuration. Moreover, the aircraft’s large cabin and rear cargo doors make loading easier than in many smaller piston aircraft.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Occupants | 6 |
| Cabin Height | 50 in / 1.26 m |
| Cabin Width | 43 in / 1.08 m |
| Cabin Length | 12 ft 1 in / 3.68 m |
| Baggage Capacity | 180 lb / 82 kg |
| Baggage Volume | 11 cu ft / 0.31 m³ |
This useful cabin layout explains why the Cessna 206 often appears in different roles. Private owners use it as a family aircraft. Commercial operators use it for cargo, charter and remote-area transport. Meanwhile, special mission operators can adapt it for surveillance, aerial photography, medical transport or floatplane work.
Because the aircraft can carry people, baggage and equipment, it has earned a reputation as a practical “flying utility vehicle.” As a result, it remains one of the most respected single-engine piston aircraft in its class.
Cessna 206 Dimensions
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 28 ft 3 in / 8.6 m |
| Height | 9 ft 4 in / 2.8 m |
| Wingspan | 36 ft / 10.97 m |
| Wing Area | 174 sq ft / 16.17 m² |
| Landing Gear | Fixed tricycle landing gear |
| Wing Position | High wing |
The aircraft’s dimensions support its utility mission. It remains compact enough for small airports, yet it offers more cabin volume and payload capability than many lighter four-seat aircraft. In addition, the high-wing layout helps pilots operate from unimproved fields and improves visibility during low-level or utility work.
The Cessna 206 also adapts well to optional equipment. Some aircraft operate with amphibious floats, skis or special mission equipment. Therefore, the same basic airframe can support many different flying environments.
Engine and Performance
Modern turbocharged Stationair models use a Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A engine. This six-cylinder turbocharged piston engine gives the aircraft strong climb performance and better high-altitude capability than many normally aspirated piston singles.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged piston engine |
| Power Output | 310 hp |
| Propeller | McCauley 3-blade aluminum constant-speed propeller |
| Maximum Cruise Speed | 161 ktas / 298 km/h |
| Maximum Range | 703 nm / 1,302 km |
| Service Ceiling | 26,000 ft / 7,925 m |
| Maximum Climb Rate | 960 fpm / 293 mpm |
| Stall Speed | 57 kcas / 106 km/h |
| Maximum Limit Speed | 182 kias / 337 km/h |
The turbocharged engine helps the aircraft perform better at altitude. Therefore, the Cessna 206 can serve mountainous regions, hot climates and longer utility routes more effectively than many lighter piston aircraft.
However, the aircraft’s main strength is not raw speed. Instead, it focuses on payload, cabin space and operational flexibility. This makes it especially valuable for pilots and operators who need a capable single-engine aircraft for real-world missions.
Weights and Fuel Capacity
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Ramp Weight | 3,806 lb / 1,726 kg |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 3,789 lb / 1,719 kg |
| Maximum Landing Weight | 3,600 lb / 1,633 kg |
| Basic Empty Weight | 2,365 lb / 1,073 kg |
| Useful Load | 1,441 lb / 654 kg |
| Maximum Payload | 1,235 lb / 560 kg |
| Full Fuel Payload | 919 lb / 417 kg |
| Usable Fuel | 87 gal / 329 L |
| Usable Fuel Weight | 522 lb / 237 kg |
These figures show why the aircraft works well as a utility platform. It can carry a meaningful load while still offering practical range. In addition, the full-fuel payload allows operators to plan missions with passengers, baggage and equipment more flexibly than many smaller piston singles.
Short-Field and Remote Operations
The Cessna 206 has a strong reputation for operating from smaller airfields. Its fixed landing gear, high wing and useful power give pilots a practical aircraft for rural airports, backcountry strips and remote operations.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Takeoff Distance | 1,970 ft / 600 m |
| Takeoff Ground Roll | 1,060 ft / 323 m |
| Landing Distance | 1,395 ft / 425 m |
| Landing Ground Roll | 735 ft / 224 m |
These numbers depend on aircraft weight, runway condition, temperature, altitude and pilot technique. Nevertheless, they show the aircraft’s utility-focused design. Because of this capability, the Cessna 206 often serves in regions where runway length, weather and terrain create operational challenges.
Why Pilots Choose the Stationair
Pilots choose the Stationair because it combines familiar Cessna handling with more serious load-carrying capability. It is larger and more powerful than many common training or personal aircraft, yet it remains simpler than twin-engine or turbine aircraft.
In addition, the aircraft offers strong mission flexibility. A pilot can use it for family travel, business trips, cargo runs, aerial work or remote-area operations. Moreover, the available floatplane capability expands its use in areas with lakes and water access.
The Cessna 206 also benefits from wide support. Since it belongs to the Cessna piston aircraft family, operators can often find maintenance knowledge, parts support and pilot familiarity more easily than with rare aircraft types.
Operational Role
The aircraft serves many different operators. Private owners value its cabin space and load-carrying ability. Commercial operators use it for cargo, sightseeing, charter and remote transport. Government and special mission operators may use it for patrol, surveillance or emergency response.
The Cessna 206 also works well in environments where operators need reliability and simplicity. It does not require turbine infrastructure or complex systems, yet it can carry useful payload into challenging locations. Therefore, it remains a strong choice for utility flying.
Although modern aviation offers faster aircraft, the Stationair continues to make sense because it solves practical problems. It carries people and cargo, handles different surfaces and gives pilots a dependable single-engine platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cessna 206 a six-seat aircraft?
Yes. Most Stationair configurations can carry up to six occupants, including the pilot.
What engine does the modern Cessna 206 use?
The current Turbo Stationair HD uses a Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A turbocharged piston engine rated at 310 hp.
What is the range of the Cessna 206?
The modern Turbo Stationair HD has a maximum range of about 703 nautical miles, depending on conditions and configuration.
Is the Cessna 206 good for cargo?
Yes. The aircraft is well known for its utility cabin, rear cargo doors, useful load and flexible interior arrangements.
Can the Cessna 206 operate on floats?
Yes. Some Stationair aircraft can use amphibious float configurations, depending on model, equipment and certification.
Cessna 206 Summary
The Cessna 206 is a practical six-seat single-engine utility aircraft with a strong reputation for payload, cabin flexibility and rugged operation. With its high-wing design, fixed landing gear, turbocharged engine option, useful load and short-field capability, the Stationair family remains an important light aircraft for private, commercial and special mission flying.
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