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| STANDARD DATA: (206H) Seats 6. Gross wt. 3,600. Empty wt. 2,179. Fuel capacity 92. Engine 300-hp Textron Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5. PERFORMANCE: Max Cruise 151 kts. Cruise 142 kts. Stall 54-62 kts. Initial climb rate 988 fpm. Service Ceiling 15,700. Takeoff distance (50') 1,860. Landing distance (50') 1,395. STANDARD DATA: (T206H Turbo) Seats 6. Gross wt. 3,600. Empty wt. 2,279. Fuel capacity 92. Engine 300-hp turbocharged Textron Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5. |
The 206 Stationair had been such a Cessna success story that many thought it was only a matter of time before it came back into production. The aging fleet of big piston singles was still coming and going from virtually every type of runway in the world, polishing its reputation as the world's best heavy hauler. Though the pressurized versions of the Stationair did not make the cut for the new production schedule, an audience built over more than forty years of service quickly applauded the return of both the normally aspirated and turbocharged C-206.
Though the new Stationairs did suffer a loss in useful load, they could still best the overall performance figures turned in by the older legacy fleet. The modern turbocharged 206 could now climb all the way to 27,000' and turn in an honest 170+ knots. No piston single in product can match the Stationair's combination of speed, altitude and load lifting talent.
Cessna also markets a luxury version of the big single, emphasizing its capabilities of carrying executives or families for short to medium trips. Adjustable leather seats, state-of-the-art avionics, pilot and passenger air bags, reading lights, individual climate control vents and passenger-friendly double doors can deliver surprising creature comfort to an airplane revered for its bare-knuckled utility.
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