Cessna 206 vs Gippsaero GA8 Airvan

The GA8 Airvan and Cessna 206 are utility singles — the Airvan a boxy, rugged hauler with big doors, the 206 the proven high-wing workhorse.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 206
For sale now
160
Median asking
$470,636
Range
$171,175–$898,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
63
Source marketplaces
20
Model years available
1962–2026
Gippsaero GA8 Airvan
For sale now
5
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
4
Model years available
2005–2015

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 206Gippsaero GA8 Airvan
All events292
Serious23
Fatal55
Fatalities147
% Fatal19%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 206 Gippsaero GA8 Airvan
Cessna 206
View 160 listings →
Median $470,636
Gippsaero GA8 Airvan
View 3 listings →
Median $700,000
Price Range $171,175 – $898,750 $469,031 – $700,000
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6
Horsepower 300 HP
Cruise Speed 142 kts (263 km/h) 120 kts (222 km/h)
Range 840 nm (1,556 km) 730 nm (1,352 km)
Service Ceiling 15,700 ft (4,785 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) 3,999 lbs (1,814 kg)
Useful Load 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Capacity 92.0 gal (348 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000
Hourly Variable $175
Engines 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 206

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

Gippsaero GA8 Airvan

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 206 or Gippsaero GA8 Airvan?

Bottom line: Choose the Cessna 206 for speed, payload and the largest support network; choose the GA8 Airvan for a roomier boxy cabin, big doors and rugged short-field utility (skydive/cargo). 206 = speed/support; Airvan = cabin/doors/rugged.

Pick the 206 if…

  • Budget matters — from $171,175 vs $469,031, you save ~$297,856.
  • Faster cruise — 142 kts vs 120 kts.
  • Longer range — 840 nm vs 730 nm.
  • More inventory — 160 listings vs 3.

Pick the GA8 Airvan if…

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna 206 or Gippsaero GA8 Airvan?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 206 cruises at 142 kts with 840 nm range. The GA8 Airvan cruises at 120 kts with 730 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 206: from $724,000. Gippsaero GA8 Airvan: from $443,368. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 206 and Gippsaero GA8 Airvan?
206 engine: Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 (300 hp). Cruise: 142 vs 120 kts. Range: 840 vs 730 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
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?
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