The Cessna 206 is Cessna’s biggest single-engine fixed-gear piston. Stationair is an apt name for this aircraft as it was built to carry passengers and cargo. The Cessna 206 is essentially three models sharing a common airframe. The 205 was introduced in 1963 (being based on the Model 210 with fixed gear). The 205 was produced for two years. In 1964, Cessna added more utility with a redesigned wing, bigger flaps and a double door on the right side for cargo and passenger loading. Technically, Cessna used the designation U206. A stretch of the fuselage brought about the Cessna 207 in 1967. The 207 was produced up until 1984. The 206 was produced until 1986 and then it was reintroduced in 1998.
A 300 hp Lycoming powers the 206. The 206 seats six passengers. While it has a big cabin, the emphasis was on utility, and noise levels on earlier aircraft are high during high-power applications. A cargo pod is available, as well as floats.
The aircraft is stable and predictable, like the trustworthy station wagon the Stationair gets its name from. Over 8,500 205/206/207 models were built up to 1986.
From 2005, the 206H was equipped with the Garmin 1000 digital avionics suite, with two large LCD displays.
