Cessna T206H vs Piper Cherokee 180
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna T206H
- For sale now
- 61
- Median asking
- $544,000
- Range
- $364,475–$875,000
- Model years available
- 1975–2025
Piper Cherokee 180
- For sale now
- 90
- Median asking
- $94,900
- Range
- $55,144–$148,400
- Model years available
- 1962–2025
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 T206H | Piper Cherokee 180 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 50 | — |
| Serious | 3 | — |
| Fatal | 17 | — |
| Fatalities | 29 | — |
| % Fatal | 34% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna T206H | Piper Cherokee 180 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $364,475 – $875,000 | $55,144 – $148,400 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 4 |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | 180 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 148 kts (274 km/h) | 124 kts (230 km/h) |
| Range | 800 nm (1,482 km) | 630 nm (1,167 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 27,000 ft (8,230 m) | 14,150 ft (4,313 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg) | 2,400 lbs (1,089 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,340 lbs (608 kg) | 1,055 lbs (479 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 87.0 gal (329 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 16.0 GPH (61 L/h) | 9.5 GPH (36 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $35,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $22,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $185 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 1 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna T206H
Fuel$88/hr
Variable$185/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$59,000/yr
Piper Cherokee 180
Fuel$52/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna T206H or Piper Cherokee 180?
Pick the T206H if…
- More seats — 6 vs 4.
- Faster cruise — 148 kts vs 124 kts.
- Longer range — 800 nm vs 630 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1998 vs 1963.
Pick the Cherokee 180 if…
- Budget matters — from $55,144 vs $364,475, you save ~$309,331.
- More inventory — 93 listings vs 63.
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 T206H or Piper Cherokee 180?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The T206H cruises at 148 kts with 800 nm range.
The Cherokee 180 cruises at 124 kts with 630 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Cherokee 180: from $139,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna T206H and Piper Cherokee 180?
T206H engine: LYCOMING TIO-540-AJ1A (310 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 4.
Cruise: 148 vs 124 kts.
Range: 800 vs 630 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
T206H: about $185/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?
T206H: 6 seats / 1,340 lb useful load.
Cherokee 180: 4 seats / 1,055 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?
T206H: 1,800-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data