Cessna 206 Stationwagon Cost of Ownership

The Cessna 206 Stationwagon: Space Meets High Performance

The Cessna 206 represents a unique middle ground in general aviation. It offers six-seat capacity, real-world useful load of 1,400+ pounds, and turbocharged high-altitude capability—all in a single-engine aircraft. Since 1962, the 206 family has been a workhorse for families, bush operators, and serious travelers who value space and performance.

The naturally aspirated 206 provides excellent value and lower operating costs, while the turbocharged T206 adds high-altitude performance and weather-climbing capability. This comprehensive guide examines the financial realities of 206 ownership across all variants.

Why Pilots Choose the Cessna 206

The primary appeal is real-world space and payload. Unlike typical four-seat singles, the 206 carries six people comfortably plus baggage, making it practical for family travel and utility missions. The large cargo door on some models enables special operations. Useful load exceeds 1,400 pounds on modern variants.

Secondary advantages include proven reliability, large parts availability, excellent resale value, and simplicity. For pilots valuing space and practicality over ultimate speed, the 206 represents excellent value. Turbocharged variants add high-altitude performance for serious cross-country work.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

New Aircraft Pricing (2024-2025)

A new 2024-2025 Cessna 206H Stationair starts at approximately $1.29-$1.5 million depending on equipment and avionics.

Used Aircraft Pricing by Era

The used 206 market offers excellent range based on model variant:

• Early Models (1962-1986): $150,000-$300,000 - Naturally aspirated, basic avionics, proven reliable
• Mid-Range (1987-1997): $280,000-$450,000 - Improved reliability, better systems, good value
• Turbocharged (1998-2010): $400,000-$600,000 - High-altitude capability, modern avionics, strong performance
• Recent Models (2011+): $600,000-$900,000 - Latest avionics, lowest hours, newest features

Key Price Factors

• Total Airframe Hours: Each 1,000 hours = roughly $20,000-$35,000 value difference
• Engine Time: Fresh engines add $25,000-$40,000; engines near TBO reduce value $25,000-$40,000
• Avionics: Modern glass cockpit adds $25,000-$40,000 vs. older systems
• Turbocharged vs. Naturally Aspirated: Turbo variant commands 30-50% premium for altitude capability

Financing a Cessna 206

Down Payment Requirements

Lenders typically require 15-20% down. For a $400,000 purchase:

• 15% down: $60,000 cash, $340,000 financed
• 20% down: $80,000 cash, $320,000 financed

Loan Terms and Rates

206 terms typically range 10-20 years at 6-7% rates. Example monthly payments for $320,000 loan:

• 10 years at 6.5%: $3,394/month ($40,728/year)
• 15 years at 6.5%: $2,627/month ($31,524/year)
• 20 years at 7%: $2,241/month ($26,892/year)

Insurance Costs

Liability and Hull Coverage

For a $350,000 Cessna 206:

• Liability Only ($1M): $567-$740 annually for qualified pilots
• Full Coverage ($1M liability, $330K hull): $2,400-$3,000 for qualified pilots
• Less Experienced Pilots: $5,650-$7,900 for full coverage
• Typical Total: $3,000-$5,000 annually

Fuel and Operating Costs: Moderate but Substantial

Fuel Consumption - Varies by Variant

Fuel consumption varies between naturally aspirated and turbocharged models:

• Naturally Aspirated 206: 11-13 GPH at cruise
• Turbocharged T206: 16-20 GPH at cruise
• Lean-of-Peak: 10-15% reduction possible with proper leaning

At current fuel prices of $6-$7/gallon:

• Naturally Aspirated (12 GPH): $72-$84/hour
• Turbocharged (18 GPH): $108-$126/hour

Over 100 annual flight hours at $6.50/gallon, a naturally aspirated 206 costs $468-$546 in fuel annually, while a turbocharged T206 costs $702-$819.

Maintenance and Reserves

• Annual Inspection: $1,200-$1,800
• Routine Maintenance: $20-$30/hour
• Engine Reserve: $20-$25/hour toward 2,000-hour overhaul

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $120-$180/hour including fuel, maintenance, oil, and reserves—reasonable for a six-seat, high-performance aircraft.

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar: $70-$300/month ($840-$3,600/year) - Depends on location
• Insurance: $3,000-$5,000
• Annual Inspection: $1,200-$1,800
• Accessories/Subscriptions: $500-$800

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $5,540-$11,400 (highly dependent on hangar location)

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year (Naturally Aspirated 206)

Aircraft purchased at $350,000 with 20% down ($70,000), $280,000 financed at 6.5% over 15 years:

• Loan payment: $2,160/month ($25,920/year)
• Fixed costs: $8,000
• Fuel (100 hours × $78): $7,800
• Maintenance (100 hours × $25): $2,500
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $22): $2,200
• Annual inspection: $1,500
• Total Annual Cost: $47,920
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $479

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year (Turbocharged T206)

Aircraft purchased at $500,000 with 20% down ($100,000), $400,000 financed at 6.5% over 15 years:

• Loan payment: $3,088/month ($37,056/year)
• Fixed costs: $9,000
• Fuel (150 hours × $117): $17,550
• Maintenance (150 hours × $28): $4,200
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $24): $3,600
• Annual inspection: $1,500
• Total Annual Cost: $72,906
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $486

Cessna 206 vs. Comparable Aircraft

206 vs. Cessna 172 (4-Seat Single)

A 172 owner budgets $150-$200/hour. A 206 owner budgets $300-$350/hour. The 206 premium reflects two additional seats, higher payload, and better performance. For families needing six seats, the 206 provides exceptional value over owning two smaller aircraft.

206 vs. Piper Malibu (Pressurized Single)

A Malibu owner budgets $600-$800/hour. A 206 owner budgets $300-$350/hour. The 206 costs 50-60% less to operate while offering similar six-seat capacity. Trade-off: the Malibu offers pressurization and higher altitude, while the 206 is simpler and more economical.

Is Cessna 206 Ownership Worth It?

At $300-$350/hour all-in operating cost, the Cessna 206 represents outstanding value for families needing six-seat capacity and realistic cross-country range. The aircraft's utility, proven reliability, and reasonable operating costs make it excellent for serious pilots flying 100+ hours annually.

For a family of six needing to travel together regularly, a 206 is more economical than owning a larger twin-engine aircraft or chartering. The space and payload make it genuinely practical for real-world flying missions.

Next Steps to 206 Ownership

1. Build transition experience. Fly 206s for 20-30 hours before purchasing
2. Get pre-approved financing. Contact 3-4 lenders for rates and terms
3. Obtain insurance quotes. Confirm costs based on your pilot experience and aircraft value
4. Research available aircraft. Monitor Controller.com and Trade-A-Plane for inventory
5. Conduct pre-purchase inspection. Budget $2,500-$3,500 for comprehensive evaluation
6. Plan maintenance schedule. Establish relationship with Cessna-experienced mechanic

Sources and Citations

1. Pilot Passion (2025). "Cessna TU206G Turbo Stationair II Cost & Operating Costs" - Aircraft pricing and cost analysis. Retrieved from pilotpassion.com
2. BWI Aviation Insurance (2025). "Cessna 206 Insurance Cost" - Insurance premium data and coverage information. Retrieved from bwifly.com
3. PlanePhD (2025). "Cessna 206 specifications and operating cost analysis" - Detailed valuation and cost data. Retrieved from planephd.com
4. Aircraft Cost Calculator (2024). "Cessna 206H and T206H operating costs" - Comprehensive cost analysis tools. Retrieved from aircraftcostcalculator.com
5. Aviation Consumer (2024). "Cessna 206 Operating Costs and Ownership" - Detailed cost breakdown. Retrieved from aviationconsumer.com

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance premiums, and expenses vary by location and pilot qualification. Always verify costs with current sources before committing to purchase.