Cessna 185 vs Cessna 206H
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 206H
- For sale now
- 19
- Median asking
- $549,000
- Range
- $348,000–$1,073,800
- Model years available
- 1999–2024
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 185 | Cessna 206H |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 476 | 15 |
| Serious | 23 | 1 |
| Fatal | 43 | 5 |
| Fatalities | 93 | 10 |
| % Fatal | 9% | 33% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 185 | Cessna 206H |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $189,000 – $429,900 | $348,000 – $1,073,800 |
| 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) | 87.0 gal (329 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 15.5 GPH (59 L/h) | 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,700 hrs | 1,500 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
EstimateCessna 185
Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$57,000/yr
Cessna 206H
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 206H?
Pick the 185 if…
- Budget matters — from $189,000 vs $348,000, you save ~$159,000.
- Faster cruise — 145 kts vs 142 kts.
Pick the 206H if…
- Longer range — 840 nm vs 720 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1998 vs 1961.
- More inventory — 21 listings vs 18.
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 185 or Cessna 206H?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range.
The 206H 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 206H: from $495,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 185 and Cessna 206H?
185 engine: CONTINENTAL IO-470-F (300 hp).
206H engine: LYCOMING IO-540-AC1A5 (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.
206H: 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.
206H: 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.
206H: 1,500-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