Six-seat fixed-gear utility and touring aircraft · Single-engine piston aircraft · production 1998–2013 · See its reach on the 3D globe
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A Cessna 206H Stationair costs approximately $520k (€481k) to $621k (€575k) to buy at 2008 market values, and about $57k (€53k) a year to own flying 80 hours, roughly $713 (€660) per flight hour all-in. It seats 6, cruises at 142 kt (163 mph) and has a published range of 730 nm (1,352 km), needing about 1,870 ft (570 m) of runway. Figures are indicative planning estimates compiled 2026-07, not a quote for any specific airframe.
The 206 is the pickup truck of the sky: a big cabin, huge doors, fixed gear and the payload to haul six people or serious cargo, which is why it dominates float, skydive and utility roles worldwide. Owners buy it to carry things other singles cannot. The costs are the flip side, because it burns like the load-hauler it is, and modern H-model acquisition prices are high, so private-owner economics only work if you genuinely use the capacity. For a working aircraft or a load-carrying family, it is purpose-built.
First-party reference values for this model. They are shown separately from PlaneFit planning estimates and do not enter Finder or cross-model rankings until each field is normalised across the catalogue.
| Maximum takeoff weight | 1,633 kg |
|---|---|
| Usable fuel | 329 L |
| Baggage weight | 82 kg |
| Engine | Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5, 300 hp |
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 6 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 1,008 lb (457 kg) |
| Published planning range | 730 nm (1,352 km) |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 489 nm (906 km) |
| Cruise speed | 142 kt (163 mph) |
| Runway need | ~1,870 ft (570 m) |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | $28k (€26k) |
| Direct cost per flight hour | $243 (€225) |
Excellent doors, cabin and payload, but fuel burn and high acquisition prices reduce private-use economics.
Indicative cash costs at 2008 market values, before financing, depreciation and tax. The fixed base is the same whether the aircraft flies or not, so the effective hourly cost falls as utilisation rises.
| Annual use | Annual cash cost | Effective cost / h | Five-year cash outlay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 h / year | $47k (€44k) | $1,183 (€1,095) | $801k (€742k) |
| 80 h / year | $57k (€53k) | $713 (€660) | $850k (€787k) |
| 120 h / year | $67k (€62k) | $556 (€515) | $899k (€832k) |
| 180 h / year | $81k (€75k) | $452 (€418) | $971k (€900k) |
Every figure above is built from a $28k (€26k) fixed annual base, covering hangarage, insurance, scheduled maintenance reserves and recurring airworthiness costs, plus $243 (€225) per hour flown for fuel, reserves and consumables. It is a planning model for comparing aircraft and testing utilisation, not a maintenance programme quote, insurance quote or pre-buy assessment.
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at $53k (€50k) per year at 80 hours. Airframe and engine time, maintenance and damage history, avionics, equipment, geography and tax treatment move a real transaction further than the model year does, so price the aircraft in front of you, not the model. A cheaper example carrying deferred maintenance can be the more expensive aircraft once the first annual inspection is complete.
Cessna 206H Stationair cost guide answers the same figures as standalone purchase and ownership questions, and the ownership cost calculator lets you replace these assumptions with your own hours and fixed costs.
Nothing beyond a pilot certificate for the category and class. With fixed tricycle gear and no endorsement requirement of its own, this is among the simplest certified aircraft to qualify in, which is a real part of why it is cheap to insure and easy to check out in.
US requirements under 14 CFR 61.31, stated for orientation and not as advice. PlaneFit is not an aviation authority or a training organisation. Other authorities set different rules, and the current regulation and your instructor are what govern.
An indicative 2008 market price for a Cessna 206H Stationair is $520k (€481k) to $621k (€575k). This is a planning estimate normalised across the market, not a quote for a specific airframe. Condition, engine time remaining, avionics and damage history move the real number more than the model year does.
Flying 80 hours a year, a Cessna 206H Stationair works out at roughly $57k (€53k) annually, which is about $713 (€660) per flight hour all-in once fixed costs are spread across those hours. The direct cost per hour alone, covering fuel, reserves and consumables, is about $243 (€225).
Published range is 730 nm (1,352 km). With 4 people aboard and realistic reserves, plan on a practical radius of about 489 nm rather than the brochure figure.
Plan on approximately 1,870 ft (570 m) for take-off. Check this against the actual runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading, all of which extend the requirement.
Direct comparisons against the models buyers most often weigh against this one.