Cessna 210 Centurion Cost of Ownership: Complex Single with Excellent Capability

The Cessna 210 Centurion is one of the most capable single-engine aircraft ever built, with retractable gear, excellent load capacity, and respectable performance. Produced from 1962 to 1985, the 210 remains popular in the used aircraft market. Here's the complete financial picture of 210 ownership.

Purchase Cost: Finding the Right 210

The Cessna 210 Centurion was produced from 1962 to 1985 (with models continuing into modern variants). The 23-year production run created a substantial used market with steady inventory at predictable pricing.

Current Market Prices (2024-2025):
Used Cessna 210s range from $65,250 (high-time budget examples) to $600,000 (late-model well-equipped aircraft). A typical good-condition Cessna 210 from the 1980s-1990s averages $250,000-$350,000. Modern pressurized T210 and P210 variants cost significantly more (up to $600,000+).

Critical Pricing Factor—Engine Time: Engine time since major overhaul (SMOH) is the most important pricing factor. An aircraft with 300 SMOH might cost $50,000 more than one with 1,600 SMOH approaching TBO. Budget carefully if the aircraft is near overhaul time—a $25,000-$30,000 overhaul may be imminent.

Fuel Consumption and Operating Economics

The Cessna 210's fuel consumption reflects its 210-horsepower Continental engine, providing reasonable economy for its performance class.

Fuel Burn Specifications:
The Cessna 210 burns approximately 14-16 gallons per hour at cruise power. This translates to fuel costs of:

• At $5.00/gallon: $70-$80 per flight hour
• At $5.40/gallon: $76-$86 per flight hour (current typical)
• At $6.00/gallon: $84-$96 per flight hour

Fuel typically represents 50-60% of the 210's hourly variable operating costs. Careful power management can reduce consumption at lower cruise altitudes, improving economy for budget-conscious operators.

Engine Overhaul: Planning for a Major Expense

Engine overhaul is a significant cost consideration for the Cessna 210, requiring careful planning during ownership.

Overhaul Specifications:
The Continental IO-520 engine in the Cessna 210 has a time-between-overhaul (TBO) of 1,500-1,700 hours. Overhaul costs run $25,000-$30,000 at most experienced shops. Complete overhaul projects including removal, reinstallation, hoses, baffles, and accessory overhauls typically cost $45,000-$60,000 total.

Engine Reserve Per Hour: Budget $15-$25 per flight hour for engine reserves. At 100 annual hours, this represents $1,500-$2,500 annually. At 200 hours, $3,000-$5,000. Careful engine management and proper leaning extend engine life and spread overhaul costs across more flight hours.

Practical Consideration: At typical recreational flying rates (100-150 hours annually), engine overhaul comes due every 10-17 years. Many owners who purchased in the 1990s are now facing or have recently completed overhauls, which should be factored into purchase negotiations.

Retractable Gear: Complexity and Maintenance

The Cessna 210's retractable gear is more complex than simpler aircraft, requiring specialized knowledge and adding maintenance costs.

Complex Aircraft Endorsement Required:
Retractable gear, constant-speed propeller, and flaps require a Complex Aircraft Endorsement. Training costs $1,500-$3,000 and typically requires 5-10 hours of dual instruction. No FAA checkride is required. Many experienced pilots recommend additional 210-specific transition training beyond the minimum endorsement.

Gear System Maintenance:
Annual inspection includes mandatory retractable gear swing testing. Hydraulic system servicing, actuator inspection, and electrical system checks add to annual costs. Annual inspection typically runs $1,000-$2,000 including gear work.

Gear-Up Landing Risk: Proper before-landing checklist procedures are absolutely critical. Gear-up landing accidents are not uncommon with complex aircraft. Modern gear-up warning systems ($500-$2,000) are excellent safety investments for 210 owners.

Insurance: Premium Rates for Complex Aircraft

Annual Insurance Costs:
Insurance for a Cessna 210 runs $3,500-$5,000 per year for hull and liability coverage, reflecting the aircraft's value and complexity. This assumes a typical hull value of $250,000-$350,000 and qualified pilot with appropriate experience.

Pilot Qualification Requirements: Many insurers require minimum 200 total flight hours before insuring complex aircraft. Some require evidence of Complex Aircraft Endorsement training. Instrument rating typically receives favorable insurance rates. A newly-qualified complex pilot may pay 50% more than an experienced Commercial/Instrument pilot.

Maintenance and Annual Inspection

Annual Inspection Costs:
Annual inspection for a Cessna 210 typically costs $1,000-$2,000 including gear work. This assumes straightforward inspection without major repair items. Complex retractable gear inspection adds cost compared to fixed-gear aircraft.

Variable Maintenance Costs:
Budget $15-$30 per flight hour for routine maintenance and repairs beyond the annual inspection. This includes propeller overhauls (every 2,000 hours), alternator/generator overhauls, brake servicing, and other component replacement.

Total Annual Maintenance: Annual inspection ($1,500), routine maintenance ($3,000-$4,000), and miscellaneous repairs ($1,000-$2,000) typically total $5,500-$7,500 annually.

Total Cost of Ownership: Cessna 210

Annual Scenario: 100 Hours Flying/Year

At 100 annual hours, total ownership costs run approximately $19,405 per year without financing. This breaks down to $194 per flight hour—a reasonable cost for a complex, high-performance single-engine aircraft with excellent load capacity.

Why Own a Cessna 210?

• Exceptional Load Capacity: Superior useful load compared to competitors
• Performance: 160+ knot cruise with excellent climb and altitude capability
• Versatility: Suitable for personal transportation, business use, and training
• Reliability: Proven Continental engine with excellent service records
• Training Value: Excellent complex aircraft trainer and stepping stone to advanced flying

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Citations

Note on Pricing and Data: This article reflects market conditions and pricing as of October 2025. Aircraft values, fuel prices, and insurance rates fluctuate based on market conditions and regulatory changes. Engine overhaul timing is critical to pricing—verify SMOH carefully during purchase evaluation. All figures represent typical cases and should be verified with current quotes before making purchase decisions.