Cessna 182, vs 206
- Thread starter motoadve
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motoadve
Pre-takeoff checklist
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motoadve
I have a friend with a 206, so probably make a comparison.
ktup-flyer
En-Route
You don't have the Fresh Pick STC on your 182? Raises gross weight to 3100 like the later pre-restart 182s
NordicDave
En-Route
Personal observations if helpful...
I own a 182P and my good friend and hangar neighbor owns a 206. Flown extensive cross-country’s in both. We were both surprised the external dimensions of the two planes are nearly identical. The 206 has a (edit: 285HP) fuel injected engine verses my 230 HP engine, both are Continentals.
flying both planes I prefer the fuel injected engine as it can be run at lean of Peak. The 182’s O-470R has unequal intake runners making LOP difficult. I also prefer the 182’s shorter curved corner glareshield over the more squared taller 206 glareshield. Although this point is minor.
If you’re carrying lots passengers or especially cargo, the large side door for easy entry is appreciated. If the plane is used for camping or hauling mountain bikes on trips, the 206 reigns. I tend to prefer 2 front cabin doors As two in the front are the dominant seating usage for my own missions. When hauling I just remove the aft bench seat, but still need to fish the bikes through a front door.
Both planes are very similar with slight and distinctive differences to better tailor to your mission.
The extra HP and wide aft doors of the 206 is a big help when loading & heavy. The 182 is more nimble and slightly better eternal visibility.
I own a 182P and my good friend and hangar neighbor owns a 206. Flown extensive cross-country’s in both. We were both surprised the external dimensions of the two planes are nearly identical. The 206 has a (edit: 285HP) fuel injected engine verses my 230 HP engine, both are Continentals.
flying both planes I prefer the fuel injected engine as it can be run at lean of Peak. The 182’s O-470R has unequal intake runners making LOP difficult. I also prefer the 182’s shorter curved corner glareshield over the more squared taller 206 glareshield. Although this point is minor.
If you’re carrying lots passengers or especially cargo, the large side door for easy entry is appreciated. If the plane is used for camping or hauling mountain bikes on trips, the 206 reigns. I tend to prefer 2 front cabin doors As two in the front are the dominant seating usage for my own missions. When hauling I just remove the aft bench seat, but still need to fish the bikes through a front door.
Both planes are very similar with slight and distinctive differences to better tailor to your mission.
The extra HP and wide aft doors of the 206 is a big help when loading & heavy. The 182 is more nimble and slightly better eternal visibility.
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Pilawt
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Pilawt
The 206's larger horizontal tail helps short takeoff and landing, as well. 205's horizontal tail span was 10' 10"; on the early 206 it was 11' 8"; and from 1968 onward the 206 had the same 13' span horizontal tail as the 210.
The 205 was built with the 260 hp IO-470; while the legacy 206s all had variations of the 285 hp IO-520.
NordicDave
En-Route
You’re correct about 206 HP rating, earlier was my error. Thanks for fixing.
Steamflyer
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Steamflyer
Early 210s had the narrower horizontal stab of the 205, or perhaps the other way around since a 205 is a fixed gear early 210 (it's actually a 210-5). They widened the stab from year to year rapidly, presumably due to some pilots having difficulty getting the nose up on landing, until the 210 settled on 13'.
douglas393
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douglas
My first plane after I got my ticket was a 2007 T182T. It was a great plane. I have no complaints. It is front heavy. I sold it(I was getting too busy to fly regularly) and after a hiatus of about a year or so was missing flying, and my personal situation changed. After looking at numerous plane models I decided a 206 was my best option and bought a 2009 T206H. This plane has a number of upgrades over my 182, and many 206's but what made me choose a 206 was I do a lot of bicycling, and can barely fit one bike into a 182, and in the 206 can fit two bikes and assorted luggage. My 206 is float ready(though have no intention of putting on floats), has huge tundra tires (and so no wheel pants), vortex generators, copilot(passenger) door, air conditioning(which even in Florida I barely use), and a number of other upgrades. With the increased drag because of the tires, it is no faster than the 182(though it burns about 20% more fuel), and is slightly more difficult to land in that the front fork is so large the plane points upward when level on the ground. As for flight characteristics, I think they are the same.
In my mind, the choice should be based on your mission. If you need the extra cargo space, then the 206 is the way to go, otherwise you are wasting your money to buy the 206 and better off with the 182.
In my mind, the choice should be based on your mission. If you need the extra cargo space, then the 206 is the way to go, otherwise you are wasting your money to buy the 206 and better off with the 182.
@douglas393 Thanks for your contribution. I am pondering on my next plane (currently in a 182-S) in about a year. I travel to shooting matches and haul a bit of gear when I do. If I have another competitor of above average size with me, I am up against my UL at full fuel. Leaving out fuel is not a problem but ease of loading is an issue with the 182. I am favoring a T206H to take advantage of the higher payload, cargo doors, turbo for a little better TAS when flying higher is appropriate. Increased fuel/ins/maintenance cost with the 6 place, higher valued turbocharged plane are not a concern by reliability is. Although I am 90% certain a T206H is the best plane for me, what is your opinion? Any other serious contenders I should be looking at for an upgrade from a 182 that offers easier loading, increased UL, and a little better speed...but...with at least the cabin width of a 182?
Kitch
Pre-takeoff checklist
I love my 206 ease of loading can't be beat. You can fit a 55 gallon drum through the back doors. I pulled the last 2 seat out for a little extra room and UL. I rarely fly with anyone except my wife, but I wanted the UL of the 206 since I'm a gorilla 6'5" 305lbs. We can fill the tanks stuff it with bags and still be under gross. If and when I do upgrade it will be another 206 unless I hit powerball and can swing a TBM. Things I don't have that I would like are a turbo, GFC700 AP, and flightstream 510. But the one I fly works just fine for what we do.
dbahn
Pattern Altitude
I've owned the same 206 for 40 years. I've only once or twice loaded it to near gross weight, and while I'm lugging around some wasted space most of the time, when I've needed space or extra load capacity it's hard to find a better option.
Incidentally, I'm in the process of selling mine, due to my permanent grounding for glioblastoma (highly malignant brain tumor) which is incurable - so there's no complicated decision making for me in that respect. I'm on the verge of going through a broker, so if anyone is interested here's a shameless plug for mine. But anyone interested will have to act quickly so I can carve out your name and exclude the brokerage fees.
(Motorcycle not included but can be negotiated with sale.)
Incidentally, I'm in the process of selling mine, due to my permanent grounding for glioblastoma (highly malignant brain tumor) which is incurable - so there's no complicated decision making for me in that respect. I'm on the verge of going through a broker, so if anyone is interested here's a shameless plug for mine. But anyone interested will have to act quickly so I can carve out your name and exclude the brokerage fees.
(Motorcycle not included but can be negotiated with sale.)
piperpainter
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Bryan
I just want to say I wasn't ready for this to be a comparison! I would have had less fuel that day haha. Also, now the a I have a SPORTSMAN STOL cuff I bet it would be a closer competition!
-Cessna 205 owner
-Cessna 205 owner