Cessna 206. The Cessna 205, 206 and 207, known primarily as the Stationair (and marketed variously as the Super Skywagon, Skywagon and Super Skylane), are a family of single-engined, general aviation aircraft with fixed landing gear, used in commercial air service as well as for personal use. The family was originally developed from the popular retractable-gear Cessna 210 and produced by the Cessna Aircraft Company.

The line's combination of a powerful engine, rugged construction and a large cabin has made these aircraft popular bush planes.  Cessna describes the 206 as "the sport-utility vehicle of the air."  These airplanes are also used for aerial photography, skydiving and other utility purposes.  They can also be equipped with floats, amphibious floats and skis.  Alternatively, they can be fitted with luxury appointments for use as a personal air transport.

From 1962 to 2006 Cessna produced 8,509 aircraft in the 205, 206 and 207 variants. The aircraft remains in production.

Development

Cessna 205

The Cessna 205 was introduced late in 1962 as a 1963 model year. The six-seat aircraft was essentially a Cessna 210 with fixed landing gear and with changes to the crew and passenger door arrangement, being officially designated by Cessna as a "Model 210-5". The 205 retained the early 210's engine cowling bulge, originally where the 210 stowed its nosewheel on retraction. This distinctive cowling was made more streamlined on the later Cessna 206.

The 205 is powered by a Continental IO-470-S engine producing .
The 205 was produced in only two model years, 1963 and 1964, before being replaced in production by the Cessna 206.  A total of 576 Cessna 205s were produced.

Cessna 206

The six-seat Model 206 was introduced as a 1964 model and was built until 1986, when Cessna halted production of its single-engined product line.  It was then re-introduced in 1998 and remains in production.

There were many sub-variants, including the U206, P206 all certified to CAR3 standards and later 206H certified to FAR Part 23.
The total Model 206 production between 1964 and 2004 was 6,581 aircraft.

Cessna U206

The original 1964 model was the U206, powered by a  Continental IO-520-A. The “U” designation indicated “utility” and this model was equipped with a pilot side door and large clamshell rear door serving the back two rows of seats, allowing easy loading of oversized cargo.

There was a TU206 turbocharged version powered by the Continental TSIO-520-C engine producing . After 1967, the turbo TU206 was powered by a TSIO-520-F of . The extra  was obtained by turning the engine at a higher rpm, and was allowed for only five minutes. Due to the large propeller diameter, the additional engine speed meant that the propeller tips were pushed to transonic speeds, which required much more power.

From 1964 to 1969, the U206 was known as the “Super Skywagon”.  From 1970, it was named the “Stationair”, a contraction of “Station Wagon of the Air”, which is a good description of the aircraft's intended role. Sub-variants were designated U206 to U206G.

In 1977, the U206 had its engine upgraded to a Continental IO-520-F of  (continuous rating, obtained at a lower speed than the previous IO-520-F) and the TU206 powerplant was changed to the TSIO-520-M producing .

Production of all versions of the U206 was halted in 1986 when Cessna stopped manufacturing all piston-engined aircraft.  A total of 5,208 U206s had been produced.

Cessna P206

The P206 was added to the line in 1965. In this case the "P" stood for "passenger", as the P206 had passenger doors similar to the Cessna 210 from which it was derived, on both sides.

The P206 was produced from 1965 to 1970 and was powered by a Continental IO-520-A of .  There was a turbocharged model designated TP206 which was powered by a Continental TSIO-520-A also of .

Production of the P206 amounted to 647. The name “Super Skylane” made it sound like a version of the Cessna 182, which it was not.  Sub-variants were designated P206 to P206E.

Cessna 206H

After a production hiatus of twelve years, Cessna started manufacturing a new version of the venerable 206 in 1998, with the introduction of the newly certified 206H. The “H” model is generally similar to the previous U206 configuration, with a pilot entry door and a rear double clamshell door for access to the middle and back seats.  The "H" is marketed under the name "Stationair".

The 206H is powered by a Lycoming IO-540-AC1A powerplant producing . The turbocharged T206H is powered by a Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A engine of .

Even though the Cessna 206H is certified as a six-seat aircraft in its country of origin, the Canadian aviation regulator, Transport Canada has certified it to carry only five people in Canada.  This is due to concerns about passenger egress through the rear clamshell door with the flaps extended.  Cessna addressed one part of this problem early on, after a flight-test aircraft was damaged when the pilot extended the flaps while taxiing, and his passenger had the clamshell door open (for ventilation; it was a hot summer day).  A switch was added to the flap actuation circuit which disabled the flaps when the doors were open.  The other part of the problem is that if the flaps are already down, the passenger must perform the complicated procedure of opening the front part as far as possible (about ) then open the rear door and release the spring-loaded rear door handle so it retracts out of the way. This then gives enough clearance to open the rear part of the door fully for egress.

Both the 206H and the T206H remain in production in 2013. By the end of 2004, Cessna had produced 221 206Hs and 505 T206Hs, for a total production of 726 "H" models.
Cessna has indicated that they do not intend to produce a P206-configuration aircraft in the future, due to lack of market demand.

Cessna 207

The Model 207 was a seven- and later eight-seat development of the 206, achieved by stretching the design further by  to allow space for more seats. The nose section was extended  by adding a constant-section nose baggage compartment between the passenger compartment and the engine firewall; the aft section was extended by  by inserting a constant-area section in the fuselage area just aft of the aft wing attach point. Thus the propeller's ground clearance was unaffected by the change (the nosewheel had moved forward the same distance as the propeller), but the tail moved aft relative to the mainwheel position, which made landing (without striking the tailskid on the runway) a greater challenge.  The move gave that airplane a larger turning radius, since the distance between mainwheels and nosewheel increased by  but the nosewheel's maximum allowed deflection was not increased.

The 207 was introduced as a 1969 model featuring a Continental IO-520-F engine of .  A turbocharged version was equipped with a TSIO-520-G of the same output.

At the beginning of production the model was called a Cessna 207 "Skywagon", but in 1977 the name was changed to "Stationair 7". 1977 also saw a change of engine on the turbocharged version to a Continental TSIO-520-M producing  – the same engine used in the TU206 of the same vintage.

The 207 added a seat in 1980 and was then known as the "Stationair 8".  Production of the 207 was completed in 1984, just two years before U206 production halted.  A total of 626 Cessna 207s were manufactured.

The Cessna Model 207 has been popular with air taxi companies, particularly on short runs where its full seating capacity could be used.  Very few of these aircraft have seen private use.

Modifications

In April 2007, Thielert announced that the European Aviation Safety Agency had granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for conversion of Cessna 206s to the Thielert V-8 diesel powerplant. The STC allows conversion of the following models: U206F and TU206F with the  powerplant, and the U206G, TU206G, 206H and T206H with the  version. This modification does not require any changes to the engine cowling. In May 2008, Thielert entered insolvency proceedings, so the future availability of this diesel conversion is uncertain.

Soloy Aviation Solutions offers a turboprop conversion for some 206/207 models with the  Rolls-Royce/Allison M250 engine/gearbox package. However, extensive engine cowl modifications are required.

Atlantic Aero offers an FAA STC conversion to the Continental IO-550 powerplant. No cowl modifications are required.

Both Kenmore Air (Edo floats) and Wipaire (Wipline floats) offer seaplane conversions.

Variants
Cessna has historically used model years similar to U.S. auto manufacturers, with sales of new models typically starting a few months prior to the actual calendar year.

Cessna 205
205 (Model 210-5)
The 205 was introduced for the 1963 model year as a variant of the Cessna 210 with fixed landing gear.  It had six seats, three doors (two on the left and one on the right), was powered by a  Continental IO-470-S engine, and had a gross weight of .  Certified on June 14, 1962.  480 built.
205A (Model 210-5A)
1964 model year with minor detail changes.  Certified on July 19, 1963.  97 built.

Cessna 206
206 Super Skywagon
Introduced for the 1964 model year, the 206 differed from the 205 primarily in that it was powered by a  Continental IO-520-A.  Other changes included a strengthened fuselage, all entry doors removed except the pilot's door on the left side, new  removable double cargo doors on the right side, and heavy-duty brakes.  The interior was also redesigned with durable and easy cleaning materials.  Only the pilot's seat came as standard, though three optional seating arrangements were offered with up to six seats.  Other optional equipment included heavy-duty main tires, floats, skis, a  fuselage cargo pod,  tank and spray boom for agricultural use, and an air ambulance configuration.  The aircraft had a gross weight of  as a landplane or  as a seaplane.  Certified on July 19, 1963.
For the 1965 model year, Cessna rebranded the 206 as a utility aircraft as the U206 Super Skywagon.  The U206 was otherwise similar to the previous year's 206, having only minor detail changes.  Certified on October 8, 1964.
1965 also introduced a passenger version of the 206 as the P206 Super Skylane.  Unlike the 206/U206, the P206 retained the three-door/six-seat standard layout of the 205 and did not have a cargo door.  The aircraft also had a deluxe interior, revised nose contours, and other minor changes.  Certified on October 8, 1964.
A total of 597 aircraft were built; 275 (206), 162 (U206), and 160 (production P206).
U206A Super Skywagon
1966 model year with a three-bladed propeller and a 60A alternator replacing the 50A generator of previous variants.  A mortuary option was also introduced with room for one casket.  In addition to the passenger P206A, turbocharged versions powered by a  Continental TSIO-520-C were also offered as the TU206A Turbo Super Skywagon and TP206A Turbo Super Skylane. Certified on September 24 (U206A/P206A) and December 20 (TU206A/TP206A), 1965.  365 total built; 219 (U206A/TU206A), 146 (P206A/TP206A).
U206B Super Skywagon
1967 model year with minor detail changes and powered by a  Continental IO-520-F engine.  Also built in a passenger P206B and turbocharged TU206B and TP206B variants, all retaining their previous  IO-520-A and TSIO-520-C engines.  Certified on August 3, 1966.  371 total built; 258 (U206B/TU206B) and 113 (P206B/TP206B).
U206C Super Skywagon
1968 model year with minor detail changes and an increased gross weight of .  Also built in passengerP206C and turbocharged TU206C and TP206C variants.  Certified on July 20, 1967.  420 total built; 320 (U206C/TU206C) and 100 (P206C/TP206C).
U206D Skywagon 206
1969 model year with minor changes, as well as a larger fin and rudder on the floatplane version.  Also built in passenger P206D and turbocharged TU206D and TP206D variants.  Utility variants were renamed as the "Skywagon 206", while the passenger variants kept the "Super Skylane" name.  Certified on September 18, 1968.  294 total built; 210 (U206D/TU206D) and 84 (P206D/TP206D).
U206E Skywagon 206/Stationair
Introduced for the 1970 model year with a redesigned cowling and minor changes.  Also built in passenger P206E and turbocharged TU206E and TP206E variants.  The 1971 model year was renamed as the Stationair and Turbo Stationair, and featured a restyled interior, electroluminescent subpanel lighting, and a revised glareshield.  The passenger P206 and TP206 were discontinued after the 1970 model year.  Certified on July 28, 1969.  300 total built; 143 (1970 U206E/TU206E), 113 (1971 U206E/TU206E) and 44 (1970 P206E/TP206E), not including a P206E that was converted from the first production P206.

Introduced for the 1972 model year with a "Camber-Lift" wing, a foam-padded control wheel, nose-mounted landing/taxi lights, a glareshield-mounted avionics annunciator panel, and an enlarged baggage compartment.  The 1973 model year introduced an overhear dome light in the rear cabin as well as bonded cabin doors with "Trimline" door handles.  1974 introduced integral cabin door armrests and handles, while 1975 introduced redesigned wheel/brake fairings, a removeable right lower cowl on the TU206F, an optional flush-mounted communications antenna, and the Stationair II preferred options package.  1976 introduced energy-absorbing instrument sub-panels and a Vernier mixture control.  Also built as the turbocharged TU206F.  Certified on October 26, 1971.  1,820 total built; 174 (1972), 325 (1973), 380 (1974), 440 (1975), and 501 (1976).

Introduced for the 1977 model year with a new nosewheel leg.  The TU206G was powered by a turbocharged  Continental TSIO-520-M engine.  The 1978 model year was renamed as the Stationair 6 and introduced a 28V electrical system and optional club seating with a writing desk.  Optional air conditioning was offered for the 1986 model year.  Certified on June 21, 1976.  3,500 total built; 554 (1977, including one prototype), 575 (1978), 661 (1979), 610 (1980), 520 (1981), 260 (1982), 89 (1983), 58 (1984), 74 (1985), and 100 (1986).
206H Stationair
Introduced in 1998 with a  Lycoming IO-540-AC1A5 engine.  A turbocharged variant powered by a  Lycoming TIO-540-AJ1A engine was introduced in 1999 as the T206H Turbo Stationair (also known as Stationair TC).  Certified on November 26, 1997 (206H) and October 1, 1998 (T206H).  Production of the 206H ended in 2013 with a total of 369 being produced.  An improved version of the T206H known as the Turbo Stationair HD was introduced in July 2016 with gross weight increased by .  As of 2023, the T206H Turbo Stationair HD is the only model still in production, with 1,264 being built as of 2017.

Cessna 207 

Introduced for the 1969 model year as a development of the U206C with a stretched cabin allowing for a seventh seat, powered by a  Continental IO-520-F engine, and with a gross weight of .  The 1970 model year introduced a new control wheel design, an optional gray instrument panel, an optional mortuary variant with room for a single casket, and a turbocharged variant powered by a  Continental TSIO-520-G engine as the T207 Turbo Skywagon 207.  1973 introduced larger, padded control wheels, revised avionics, bonded-cabin doors, a new glareshield, and new wheel fairings.  1974 introduced integral cabin door armrests and handles, revised avionics, and an optional 28V electrical system.  1975 introduced removeable rear cabin air outlets and a revised glareshield.  Certified on December 31, 1968.  362 total built; 148 (1969), 42 (1970), 15 (1971), 10 (1972), 12 (1973), 40 (1974), 47 (1975), and 48 (1976).

Introduced for the 1977 model year with an improved Vernier mixture control, energy-absorbing instrument subpanels, a rectangular hour meter, and an improved aileron control system.  The T207's engine was also changed to a  Continental TSIO-520-M.  For the 1978 model year, the 207A and T207A were renamed to Stationair 7 and Turbo Stationair 7, respectively, and the previously optional 28V electrical system was made standard, and 1979 introduced a long-hub propeller and spinner.  1980 saw the introduction of an eighth seat and yet another name change to Stationair 8 and Turbo Stationair 8, as well as optional six-place club seating, a pull-type alternator circuit breaker, and a new flap position indicator.  1984 introduced new fuel caps, shoulder harnesses for all seats, copilot controls, and other minor changes.  Certified on July 12, 1976 (seven seats) and September 11, 1979 (eight seats).  426 total built; 52 (1977), 68 (1978), 80 (1979), 92 (1980), 75 (1981), 33 (1982), 5 (1983), and 21 (1984).

Operators

Civil
The aircraft is popular with air charter companies and small cargo air carriers, and is operated by private individuals and companies. One of the largest Cessna 207 operators was Yute Air Alaska, which had a fleet of 12 aircraft. Canwest Air operates two Cessna 206 aircraft in Northern Alberta and are the backbone of their charter fleet.

Government

 Argentine Federal Police – one P206A (confiscated from drug smugglers) operated from 1995 which remains in service as of 2020.
Argentine National Gendarmerie – two U206 donated by US in 1975.

Ottawa Police Service – one U206G in the surveillance aircraft role

National Police of Colombia

Directorate-General of Customs and Indirect Taxes – operates two Cessna T206 as of July 2018, which are due for retirement.
Institut Geographique National

Civil Air Patrol – one 206H, 25 T206H, 13 U206G 
South Dakota Highway Patrol – One T206H 
United States Marshals – at least six T206H surveillance aircraft starting in 2001 under a front company named Early Detection Alarm Systems
Alameda County Sheriff's Office – U206G surveillance aircraft N5525U

Military 
 
Argentine Army, six × T207 
 
Bolivian Air Force, two × U206C and 7 × TU206G 
 
 
Chilean Air Force, Operated between 1974 and 1980 the very first Cessna 206 (c/n 0001) as FACh 415, then sold it to civilian market. 
 
Public Force of Costa Rica operated at least four U206s from 1985. 
 
Djibouti Air Force, one × U206G 
 
Dominican Air Force one example  
 
Ecuadorian Air Force 
 
Guatemalan Air Force operated at least four U206s from 1968 
 
Guyana Defence Force 
 
 
Israeli Air Force 
 
 The Malagasy Air Force received five second hand  Cessna 206s in June 2019. 
 
Mexican Air Force 
 
 
 Pakistan Army Aviation  4 T-206H  
 
 Panamanian Air Force operated at least one Cessna 206 and one Cessna 207 from 1984. 
 
 Paraguayan Air Force 5 U206G 
 Paraguayan Naval Aviation 4 U206A/C 
 Paraguayan Army Aviation 2 U206G 
 
 
 Philippine Army 
 
 Portuguese Air Force – 1 Cessna 206 operated 1968–1974. 
 
 Suriname Air Force 
 
 US Army: Two used by US Military Academy since 2021. 
 
 Uruguayan Air Force 
 
 Venezuelan Army

Accidents
July 24, 1972 near Aspen, Colorado, a 27-year-old student pilot with a total of 39 hours of flying time flew into a blind canyon and stalled the aircraft while trying to turn around, killing all four people on board. Among the passengers was wealthy playboy, entrepreneur, racing driver and developer Lance Reventlow, who was a Woolworth heir, son of Barbara Woolworth Hutton and the husband of former Mouseketeer and actress Cheryl Holdridge.
On May 1, 2023, a Cessna 206 with seven people on board crashed in the jungle in the Caquetá Department of Colombia. Two of the occupants – the pilot and one adult – were killed on impact. Another passenger, the mother of the remaining four, all children, died soon after the crash. The children, between 11 months and 13 years old, survived for over five weeks in the rainforest before being rescued by the Colombian military and rescuers.

 On September 29, 2023, a Cessna 206 aircraft owned by RioZim was en route from Harare to the Murowa diamond mine in Zimbabwe when the plane crashed near the mine.
 On May 26, 2024, a Cessna 206 with 7 people onboard (pilot, 6 passengers) crashed in Butler, Missouri while on a skydiving flight. Everyone survived as they managed to escape before the crash using parachutes.

Specifications (206H Stationair)

See also

Notes

References

Bibliography 
 Cessna 206H Specifications
 Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH Press release about Cessna 206 engine development
 Cessna 206 Modifications

External links

Cessna 206 at GlobalSecurity.org

206
1960s United States civil utility aircraft
Single-engined tractor aircraft
High-wing aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1962
Aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear
Single-engined piston aircraft