Cessna 185 vs Cessna 206

The Cessna 206 Stationair and the Cessna 185 Skywagon are Cessna's big-load haulers — and the 206 vs 185 choice is tricycle-gear ease versus taildragger backcountry grit. The 206 Stationair is the fixed, tricycle-gear hauler with a huge cargo door, easy on the ground and a favourite for utility and floats. The 185 Skywagon is the taildragging classic, beloved for bush and float work where a tailwheel earns its keep. Current prices and listing counts for each are below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 185
For sale now
70
Median asking
$280,000
Range
$189,000–$429,900
Model years available
1961–1985
Cessna 206
For sale now
160
Median asking
$470,636
Range
$171,175–$898,750
Model years available
1962–2026

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

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna 185Cessna 206
All events476292
Serious2323
Fatal4355
Fatalities93147
% Fatal9%19%
View full Cessna 185 NTSB record →View full Cessna 206 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 185 Cessna 206
Cessna 185
View 17 listings →
Median $280,000
 Cessna 206
View 10 listings →
Median $470,636
Price Range $189,000 – $429,900 $171,175 – $898,750
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 300 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 145 kts (269 km/h) 142 kts (263 km/h)
Range 720 nm (1,333 km) 840 nm (1,556 km)
Service Ceiling 17,150 ft (5,227 m) 15,700 ft (4,785 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,440 lbs (653 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 84.0 gal (318 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $22,000
Hourly Variable $175 $175
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 185

Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Cessna 206

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 185 or Cessna 206?

Bottom line: Choose the 206 Stationair for hauling with easy handling — tricycle gear, a big double cargo door and the payload for people or freight, without tailwheel currency to maintain. Choose the 185 Skywagon for backcountry and float flying — a rugged taildragger that thrives on rough strips and water, with the classic Skywagon character. On safety both are capable, proven haulers; the 185's tailwheel asks for specific proficiency, while the 206's tricycle gear is more forgiving on the ground — a handling difference, not a safety gap. The Stationair is the easy hauler; the Skywagon is the taildragging bush machine.

Pick the 185 if…

  • Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 142 kts.
  • More inventory — 17 listings vs 10.

Pick the 206 if…

  • Budget matters — from $171,175 vs $189,000, you save ~$17,825.
  • Longer range — 840 nm vs 720 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1961.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Cessna 206 and 185?
Mainly the landing gear and mission. The 206 Stationair has tricycle gear and a big cargo door for easy loading and ground handling; the 185 Skywagon is a taildragger favoured for backcountry and float operations. Both haul big loads.
Which is better for floats or rough strips?
The 185 Skywagon is the traditional choice for demanding bush and float work, though the 206 is also widely used on floats and is easier on the ground. It comes down to tailwheel preference.
Does the 185 need tailwheel training?
Yes — it's a taildragger and requires tailwheel proficiency and currency. The 206's tricycle gear is more forgiving for pilots without tailwheel time.
Which is better, Cessna 185 or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range. The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 206: from $225,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 185 and Cessna 206?
185 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F (300 hp). 206 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-520-F (300 hp). Cruise: 145 vs 142 kts. Range: 720 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
185: about $175/hr variable cost. 206: about $175/hr variable cost. 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?
185: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load. 206: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
185: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 206: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data