The Cessna 210 Centurion is a fast, high-payload retractable single that offers genuine six-seat, cross-country capability — with turbocharged and pressurized versions for high-altitude work. Out of production since 1986, every 210 is a used airplane, and one Airworthiness Directive dominates diligence.
Key takeaways
- Fast & capable: ~170–190-knot cruise with real load.
- Out of production: condition and records are everything.
- Know the wing-spar AD — it drives value, insurability, and financing.
About the Cessna 210
The 210 pairs a big Continental engine with retractable gear and a roomy cabin. The turbocharged T210 and pressurized P210 add altitude capability. It's one of the most capable piston singles ever built.
The defining buyer issue is the FAA wing carry-through spar Airworthiness Directive — confirm the inspection is current with clean results before you buy. A 210-experienced pre-buy is essential.
Ownership Considerations
- Fuel: ~15–18 gph (more for the turbo).
- Insurance: higher than a fixed-gear single; sensitive to time-in-type.
- Spar & gear: budget for the wing-spar AD interval and retractable-gear upkeep.
- Maintenance: an out-of-production airframe rewards a shop that knows the type.
What to Check When Buying a Cessna 210
Focus the pre-buy on engine time since overhaul (with compression and borescope checks), avionics generation, damage history, and complete logbooks; older airframes warrant a careful corrosion inspection. Use a type-experienced shop — lenders typically require a pre-buy before funding.
Financing a Cessna 210
As a piston single, a Cessna 210 typically finances with 15–20% down and terms up to 20 years for a well-qualified buyer, with engine time, avionics, damage history, and your credit driving the rate. Insurance rises with performance and low time-in-type and must bind before funding. Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a lender — we shop your loan across a national network of aviation lenders. For rates, worked examples, and how to apply, see the resources below.
Prices and financing figures in this article are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there new Cessna 210s?
No — production ended in 1986, so every 210 is used. Condition, records, and AD compliance are central.
What is the wing-spar AD?
An FAA directive requiring inspection of the 210's wing carry-through spar. Compliance status affects value, insurability, and financing.
How much down on a 210?
Expect 20–25% and typically a 15-year term; clean, AD-current airplanes see the best terms.
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