Best Starter Plane For Bigger Than Average Person?

[Snowmass]

Many mention the 182; however, pre-67 C-210s will carry more load, are faster, 21,000' ceiling cheaper per mile and may cost less. My 1964 C-182 was damaged by a run away C-180 so I took the insurance money and bought my C-210 back in 1971. Th 182 is great but the C-210 better.

 

[N1120A]

Many mention the 182; however, pre-67 C-210s will carry more load, are faster, 21,000' ceiling cheaper per mile and may cost less. My 1964 C-182 was damaged by a run away C-180 so I took the insurance money and bought my C-210 back in 1971. Th 182 is great but the C-210 better.

They also have the worst gear design in the history of Aviation and aren't for brand new pilots.

 

[denverpilot]

Just stopping in weeks late to say 182. lol.

 

[Snowmass]

They also have the worst gear design in the history of Aviation and aren't for brand new pilots.

The first C-210s had terrible gear designs but in 1962 the design completely changed. I should know since I have owned and maintained my 1964 model for 49 years and have had NO gear problems except for the saddle swap AD about 40 years ago. Cessna was stupid in not making the gear bullet proof from the beginning. The gear itself is extremely simple but is misunderstood. The main gear consists of a single actuator set 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis per gear leg. I also know that the plane is fine for a new pilot with a capable instructor. It's a lot easier to fly than the 1946 Aeronca I learned in. My future wife learned in a '63 C-210.

 

[Kevin Eggert]

If you're looking for useful load due to being "bigger than average" the C-182. If you're looking for interior room and easy access then C-177. More elbow room in the Cardinal and less fuel burn, but more speed and load capacity in the Skylane.

 

[Davidl13]

Cessna 210 or 206... both can handle lots of load and size... p210 if he wants a pressurized cabin...Very forgiving airplanes

 

[Checkout_my_Six]

PC-12.....you'll never need anything else.

 

[Snowmass]

Cessna 210 or 206... both can handle lots of load and size... p210 if he wants a pressurized cabin...Very forgiving airplanes

And the C-206 was born from the 64 C-210. The differences are minor except for the gear. But the 210 is more performance for less money. I just refer to mine as C-206RG.

 

[Davidl13]

And the C-206 was born from the 64 C-210. The differences are minor except for the gear. But the 210 is more performance for less money. I just refer to mine as C-206RG.

ha, yea I have a P210N... so I understand, but if I wanted to haul lots of bulky gear and the tougher side of strips.. the 206 is a great plane too.. it just depends on what Types of flying matters to the buyer...

 

[flyingcheesehead]

The 182 is pretty much a guaranteed OK fit.

I'm 6'4" 300# so fairly similar, and I fly a Mooney. Most people don't realize Al Mooney was 6'5". But, it does depend somewhat on his measurements. If he's got longer legs, he'll love the Mooney. Longer torso, not so much. At 6'6", I'd stay away from the Mooney unless he wears at least a 36" inseam.

But again, the 182 should work either way, and the 182 is also a fantastic first airplane to own.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

I have sons 6'6" and 6'4". They are skinny boys. I own a Beech Sundowner and a Commander 114B. 6'4" son has no problem in either plane. He flies the Sundowner several time a week training for his IFR rating.

6'6" son can fit in both, but headroom is not quite adequate. He fits much better in a 182 or 206. He sat in a new 206 at Oshkosh last year and loved the room.

Surprisingly, a Mooney fits him good also. But that is because he is thin. A 300 pound pilot not so much. But lots of leg room for tall pilots.

300 pounds isn't really that thick when you're 6'6".

A Bonanza is not a good fit either - not enough headroom and it would be too narrow for anyone with any meat on their bones.

Yeah... It's not great for us tall folks. The top of the cabin cross section is kinda semicircular rather than square-ish, so I tend to bump my head where the "corner" would be.

 

[schmookeeg]

Cessna 177, you're going to luv those big doors...

Not when your friends of gravity use that door to haul their mass into the front seat

 

[GrummanBear]

Not when your friends of gravity use that door to haul their mass into the front seat

 

[Lowen Loftin]

Asking for a friend.

He's 6'6 about 300 lbs. What's a good starter plane for someone his size?

Since its a retract, maybe not the absolute starter plane, but at some point he needs to try out a North American/Ryan Navion for room/comfort. Preferably with an IO-520/550

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