Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander vs Dornier 228-212

The Do 228 (twin-turboprop commuter) and BN-2 Islander (twin-piston utility) compare a larger turboprop against a smaller, simpler piston utility twin.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

No active listings right now.

Dornier 228-212
For sale now
1
Model years available
1996–1996

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

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Spec / Model Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander Dornier 228-212
Dornier 228-212
View 1 listings →
Price Range
Category Multi Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 9 19
Horsepower 260 HP 776 HP
Cruise Speed 130 kts (241 km/h) 200 kts (370 km/h)
Range 755 nm (1,398 km) 560 nm (1,037 km)
Service Ceiling 13,200 ft (4,023 m) 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Max Gross Weight 14,110 lbs (6,400 kg)
Useful Load 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 90.0 GPH (341 L/h)
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Turboprop

Which Should You Buy: Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Dornier 228-212?

Bottom line: Choose the Islander for lower-cost, rugged short-field piston utility; choose the Do 228 for more capacity, turbine power and special-mission ability. Islander = simple/value; Do 228 = capacity/turbine.

Pick the BN-2 Islander if…

  • Longer range — 755 nm vs 560 nm.

Pick the 228-212 if…

  • More seats — 19 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 200 kts vs 130 kts.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Dornier 228-212?
It depends on your mission and budget. The BN-2 Islander cruises at 130 kts with 755 nm range. The 228-212 cruises at 200 kts with 560 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander and Dornier 228-212?
Seats: 9 vs 19. Cruise: 130 vs 200 kts. Range: 755 vs 560 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
BN-2 Islander: 9 seats / 2,500 lb useful load. 228-212: 19 seats / 4,500 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data