Cessna 205 vs Cessna 206

The Cessna 205 and the Cessna 206 Stationair are two early Cessna six-seat haulers — the 205 and its better-known successor, the 206. The 205 was the first fixed-gear, six-seat single derived from the 210; the 206 Stationair refined the formula with a big cargo door and became the standard. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 205
For sale now
6
Model years available
1962–1963
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 205Cessna 206
All events44292
Serious323
Fatal1255
Fatalities44147
% Fatal27%19%
View full Cessna 205 NTSB record →View full Cessna 206 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 205 Cessna 206
Cessna 205
View 8 listings →
Median $174,450
 Cessna 206
View 10 listings →
Median $470,636
Price Range $145,750 – $234,900 $171,175 – $898,750
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 260 HP 300 HP
Cruise Speed 140 kts (259 km/h) 142 kts (263 km/h)
Range 700 nm (1,296 km) 840 nm (1,556 km)
Service Ceiling 17,000 ft (5,182 m) 15,700 ft (4,785 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Useful Load 1,400 lbs (635 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 65.0 gal (246 L) 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 14.0 GPH (53 L/h) 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 1,500 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 205

Fuel$77/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 205 or Cessna 206?

Bottom line: Choose the 205 for an affordable early six-seater — a fixed-gear hauler, rarer and lower-cost, capable for its era. Choose the 206 Stationair for the proven utility standard — a big cargo door, float and rough-strip capability, with deep support and resale. On safety both are forgiving high-wing haulers with sound records; the difference is refinement and support, not safety. Affordable early six-seater, or the proven Stationair standard.

Pick the 205 if…

  • Budget matters — from $145,750 vs $171,175, you save ~$25,425.

Pick the 206 if…

  • Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 140 kts.
  • Longer range — 840 nm vs 700 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1964 vs 1963.
  • More inventory — 10 listings vs 8.

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 205 and 206?
The 205 is the earlier fixed-gear six-seater; the 206 Stationair the refined successor with a big cargo door, which became the utility standard. The 206 has deeper support and a higher useful load.
Which is more common and better supported?
The 206 — far more were built, so parts and support are deeper. The 205 is rarer and usually cheaper.
Which is the better hauler?
The 206 Stationair — its cargo door and payload make it the utility favourite. The 205 is capable but a lower-cost, earlier design.
Which is better, Cessna 205 or Cessna 206?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 205 cruises at 140 kts with 700 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 205: from $139,000. 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 205 and Cessna 206?
205 engine: CONTINENTAL O-470-S (260 hp). 206 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-520-F (300 hp). Cruise: 140 vs 142 kts. Range: 700 vs 840 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
205: 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?
205: 6 seats / 1,400 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?
205: 1,500-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