Cessna 206 Stationair Aircraft Financing

Finance Your Cessna 206 Stationair

The Cessna 206 Stationair is a six-seat utility workhorse that combines performance, capability, and value. Whether you're upgrading your aircraft or making your first purchase, we provide specialized Cessna 206 Stationair financing solutions with competitive rates and flexible terms tailored to your needs.

Cessna 206 Stationair Specifications & Performance

Specification	Details
Category	Piston Single-Engine Utility
Price Range	$180,000 - $850,000
Typical Used Price	$350,000
Engine	Continental IO-550 (300 hp)
Cruise Speed	151 knots
Range	635 nm
Seats	6
Useful Load	1,550 lbs
Service Ceiling	15,700 ft

Why Finance a Cessna 206 Stationair?

• Exceptional Utility Capability - 1,550 lbs useful load handles six passengers or heavy cargo
• Revenue Generation Potential - Ideal for charter, cargo, and backcountry operations
• Proven Reliability - Decades of service in demanding environments worldwide
• Float Conversion Compatible - Excellent platform for seaplane operations
• Strong Market Demand - Consistent resale values support favorable financing

Cessna 206 Stationair Financing Options

Competitive Interest Rates

• New Cessna 206 Stationair: Starting at 6.5% APR
• Late-model used (2010+): Rates from 6.75% APR
• Older models: Rates from 7.5% APR
• Terms up to 20 years available for qualified buyers

Flexible Down Payment Options

• As low as 15-20% down for qualified buyers
• Higher down payments may qualify for better rates
• Trade-in equity can be applied to down payment
• Refinance options available for existing owners

Ownership Economics: Understanding Cessna 206 Operating Costs

The Cessna 206's utility capability comes with higher operating costs than single-engine training aircraft. Understanding true ownership economics is essential for commercial operators and utility-focused owners planning long-term investments.

Direct Operating Costs (DOC) Breakdown

Based on 200 flight hours annually (typical for utility and charter operations):

• Fuel Consumption: 17-19 GPH cruise (151 knots), approximately $3,060-3,420/year at $4.50/gallon
• Oil & Additives: $480-720/year for high-horsepower Continental IO-550 engine
• Engine Reserve: $8,000-12,000/year (reserve for $80,000-120,000 overhaul over 2,000 TBO hours)
• Airframe & Systems Reserve: $4,000-6,000/year for utility-related component maintenance
• Avionics Maintenance: $600-900/year for panel systems and certification

Total Direct Operating Cost: Approximately $16,140-23,040 annually, or $81-115 per flight hour for 200 hours/year.

Fixed Annual Costs

• Hangar/Tie-Down: $3,600-5,400/year ($300-450/month for utility operations)
• Insurance: $4,800-7,200/year (charter/commercial use significantly higher than private)
• Annual/100-Hour Inspections: $2,000-3,000/year (mandatory for commercial operations)
• Registration & Taxes: $400-600/year for commercial registration

Total Annual Ownership Cost Example

For a $350,000 Cessna 206 with 200 flight hours/year in utility operations and 20% down ($70,000):

• Direct Operating Costs: $19,590
• Hangar/Storage: $4,500
• Insurance: $6,000
• Inspections: $2,500
• Registration/Licensing: $500
• Total Fixed + Variable: $33,090/year (~$165/hour)

Add loan payments (~$1,650-1,900/month with 20% down) and total ownership cost reaches approximately $52,890-56,890 annually—or roughly $265-285 per flight hour, making the 206 economical for commercial charter and utility operations.

Maintenance Timeline & Service Intervals

The Cessna 206's Continental IO-550 engine requires careful maintenance planning for reliability in demanding utility operations. Scheduled maintenance intervals are more aggressive than typical single-engine aircraft.

100-Hour & Annual Inspection Cycles

100-Hour Inspection: Mandatory for commercial operations, $1,500-2,200 covering comprehensive systems review and utility-specific checks.

Annual Inspection: Required regardless of hours, $1,200-1,800 for airworthiness assessment.

500-Hour Service Interval

At 500 flight hours (2.5 years of 200-hour/year commercial use):

• Spark plug replacement and magneto inspection: $600-900
• Propeller overhaul consideration: $2,500-4,000
• Engine borescope inspection: $1,500-2,200
• Landing gear and systems inspection: $800-1,200
• Total 500-hour service: $5,400-8,300

Engine Overhaul Costs (TBO at 2,000 Hours)

• Factory-Authorized Continental IO-550 Overhaul: $50,000-72,000
• Core Exchange/Rebuilt Option: $40,000-60,000 (more economical)
• Parts, labor, and accessories: Adds $4,000-8,000
• Reserve Strategy: Budget $25-30/hour of operation ($5,000-6,000/year for 200-hour users)

Cessna 206 Financing Rates & Market Conditions

Rate Ranges by Aircraft Age & Utilization

• New Cessna 206: Starting 6.25%-6.75% APR
• Late-Model Used (2010+): 6.75%-7.5% APR
• Mid-Range (2000-2010): 7.25%-8.25% APR
• Commercial/Utility-Used (high hours): 7.75%-9.5% APR; utilization history heavily impacts rates

Factors Affecting C206 Interest Rates

• Commercial Use Premium: Charter and utility operations add +0.5%-1.5% to rates
• Flight Hour History: Aircraft with 1,500+ hours toward TBO may face +0.75%-1.5% premium
• Floatplane Conversion: Seaplane versions add +0.25%-0.75% due to specialized operations
• Maintenance Records: Perfect records may earn 0.25% discount; gaps add +0.5%-1%

Sample Financing Scenarios

Scenario 1 - Commercial Operator: $350,000 aircraft, 20% down ($70,000), 15-year term, 7.75% APR = $2,055/month

Scenario 2 - Utility/Backcountry Owner: $280,000 aircraft, 25% down ($70,000), 15-year term, 7.5% APR = $1,569/month

Scenario 3 - Higher-Hour Aircraft: $200,000 aircraft, 25% down ($50,000), 12-year term, 8.75% APR = $1,243/month

Red Flags & Lender Concerns for C206 Financing

Commercial and utility aircraft face more stringent underwriting. Lenders scrutinize:

Aircraft-Specific Red Flags

• Engine Time: High-utilization aircraft with 1,500+ hours toward TBO require detailed overhaul planning
• Damage History: Hard landings, gear collapse, or flutter incidents require comprehensive inspection reports
• Maintenance Gaps: Missing 100-hour inspection records are disqualifying for commercial operations
• Corrosion: Utility operations in salt air or rough terrain face higher corrosion risk assessment

Borrower-Specific Concerns

• Commercial Certification: Charter operators require commercial pilot license and adequate insurance pre-approval
• Business Plan: Commercial operators must demonstrate viable revenue model and utilization forecasts
• Maintenance Capability: Lenders verify access to qualified maintenance facilities for high-utilization aircraft

Frequently Asked Questions - Cessna 206 Stationair Financing

The Cessna 206 Stationair's utility and cargo capabilities make it a working aircraft. Understanding true operating costs helps you determine if the economics work for your mission - whether personal, business, or revenue-generating operations.

Direct Operating Costs (Per Hour)

• Fuel: 10-11 gallons/hour at $6.00/gallon = $60-66/hour
• Oil & Additives: $4-6/hour (300 hp engine uses more oil)
• Engine Reserve (TBO 2,000 hours): $45,000 overhaul / 2,000 hours = $22.50/hour
• Airframe & Prop Maintenance: $18-25/hour (higher due to utility usage)
• Total Direct Operating Cost: $105-120/hour

Fixed Annual Costs

• Annual Inspection: $2,200-3,500 (utility aircraft require more detailed inspection)
• Insurance: $1,800-2,600/year (commercial use increases premiums to $3,500-5,500/year)
• Hangar or Tie-Down: $3,000-10,800/year ($250-900/month depending on location)
• Database Subscriptions: $700-1,400/year
• Registration & Miscellaneous: $600/year
• Total Fixed Costs: $8,300-18,900/year

Annual Cost Example (120 Hours/Year)

For an owner flying 120 hours annually on a $220,000 Cessna 206 with 20% down:

• Loan Payment: $1,254/month × 12 = $15,048/year (7.5% APR, 20-year term, $176,000 financed)
• Fixed Costs: $13,000/year (mid-range estimate)
• Variable Costs: 120 hours × $112/hour = $13,440/year
• Total Annual Cost: $41,488
• Cost Per Hour: $346/hour (all-in)

Many Cessna 206 owners offset costs through revenue operations: backcountry charters ($500-800/hour), cargo haul ($350-550/hour), or photography flights ($450-750/hour). With 80 hours of revenue at $550/hour and 40 personal hours, net annual costs can drop below $10,000.

Cessna 206 Stationair Maintenance Timeline & Budget Planning

The 206's workhorse nature means maintenance planning is critical. Budget for these intervals over your ownership period:

Routine Maintenance Intervals

• Every 50 Hours: Oil change ($180-300), filter replacement, pre-oil screens inspection
• Every 100 Hours: Comprehensive inspection for commercial operators ($600-1,000)
• Annual Inspection: Required every 12 months ($2,200-4,000 depending on condition)
• Every 500 Hours: Landing gear rigging check, control cable tension, detailed airframe inspection ($3,000-5,000)

Engine Overhaul Timeline

The Continental IO-550 has a TBO of 2,000 hours. Typical timelines:

• Commercial operators (300 hours/year): 6-7 years to TBO
• Active personal use (150 hours/year): 13-14 years
• Occasional use (75 hours/year): 26-27 years (calendar limits apply)

Engine Overhaul Cost: $43,000-52,000 for factory overhaul; $38,000-45,000 for field overhaul

Major Airframe Maintenance (10-15 Year Intervals)

• Paint & Interior: $18,000-30,000 (larger fuselage than 182)
• Avionics Upgrades: $25,000-60,000 for modern glass panel
• Landing Gear Overhaul: $10,000-15,000 (critical for utility operations)
• Wing Spar Inspection/Eddy Current: $2,500-4,500 (required for older 206s)

Float-Equipped Specific Costs

If operating on floats (common for 206s):

• Float Annual Inspection: Additional $1,500-2,500
• Float Maintenance Reserve: $15-20/hour (rigging, cables, spreader bars)
• Beaching Gear/Dolly: $8,000-15,000 initial purchase

Cessna 206 Stationair Financing Rates: Historical Context & Current Market

Cessna 206 financing rates reflect its dual-use nature (personal and commercial). Lenders often provide favorable terms due to revenue-generation potential.

2024-2025 Market Rates

• New Cessna 206 Stationair ($850,000+): 6.25-6.99% APR
• Late-Model Used (2015-2024, $450K-650K): 6.50-7.49% APR
• Mid-Age Used (2000-2014, $250K-400K): 6.99-7.99% APR
• Older Models (1980-1999, $150K-250K): 7.50-9.25% APR

Rate Factors Specific to Cessna 206

Commercial vs. Personal Use:

• Personal use only: Standard rates apply
• Part-time commercial (charter/cargo): Add 0.25-0.50%
• Full-time commercial operations: Add 0.50-0.75% but may qualify for commercial aircraft programs

Configuration Impact:

• Standard wheeled configuration: Standard rates
• Float-equipped: May add 0.25% (specialized market but strong demand)
• Cargo door/seats removed: Standard rates (easily reversible)

Down Payment Impact:

• 15-20% down: Standard rates
• 25-30% down: Reduce rate by 0.25-0.50%
• 35%+ down: Reduce rate by 0.50-0.75%

Cessna 206 Stationair Financing vs. Alternatives

For utility and backcountry operations, compare full ownership against rental or partnership models:

Full Ownership (Financed Aircraft)

• Down Payment: $44,000 (20% on $220,000 aircraft)
• Monthly Loan Payment: $1,254 (7.5% APR, 20 years, $176K financed)
• Fixed Costs: $1,100/month average
• Variable Costs (120 hours/year): $112/hour × 120 = $1,120/month average
• Total Monthly Cost: $3,474 ($41,688/year)
• Effective Cost Per Hour: $347/hour
• Revenue Potential: Charter at $550/hour offsets costs significantly

Rental (On-Demand Charter)

• Hourly Rate: $350-500/hour wet (includes fuel, pilot may be extra)
• Annual Cost (120 hours): 120 × $425 = $51,000/year
• Effective Cost Per Hour: $425/hour
• Pros: No capital outlay, no maintenance hassles, try before you buy
• Cons: Limited availability in many markets, no customization, no revenue opportunity

Partnership (2-3 Partners)

• Initial Investment: $22,000-44,000 (1/2 to 1/5 share)
• Monthly Fixed Costs: $275-550/month (split insurance, hangar, annual)
• Hourly Rate: $110-125/hour for fuel and reserves
• Annual Cost (120 hours/year): $6,600 fixed + $14,400 variable = $21,000/year
• Effective Cost Per Hour: $175/hour
• Pros: Lower capital requirement, shared maintenance, shared scheduling
• Cons: Requires compatible partners, scheduling conflicts, shared liability

When Ownership Makes Sense for Cessna 206

• Flying 100+ hours annually for personal use
• Operating commercially (charter, cargo, backcountry) with revenue offsetting costs
• Need for float operations (rental floatplanes scarce in many regions)
• Frequent backcountry/remote access where rentals unavailable
• Business use with significant tax benefits (Section 179, bonus depreciation)

Red Flags When Financing a Cessna 206 Stationair

Lenders examine Cessna 206s carefully due to their utility and commercial use history. Watch for these concerns:

Engine & Powerplant Concerns

• High-Time Engine: Above 1,600 SMOH requires larger down payment; above 1,800 hours may require escrow for overhaul
• Turbocharger Condition: Turbocharged models (T206/TU206) require careful inspection of turbo system ($12,000-18,000 to replace)
• Crankshaft AD Compliance: Ensure Continental crank ADs properly complied with and documented
• Cylinder Condition: Compressions below 70/80 or evidence of historical cylinder problems

Airframe & Structural Issues

• Cargo Door Damage: Stress cracks around cargo door, improper repairs, or evidence of overloading
• Hard Landing History: Firewall wrinkles, landing gear mount damage, or propeller strike damage
• Corrosion (Float Operations): Belly corrosion from water landings, float attach point corrosion, control cable corrosion
• Spar Cap AD Compliance: Wing spar inspections must be up to date and properly documented
• Floats/Amphibs Condition: Hull integrity, water compartment leaks, corrosion in retraction mechanisms ($25,000+ to refurbish floats)

Commercial Use History

• Cargo/Charter Wear: High cycles (takeoffs/landings) relative to hours indicates heavy commercial use
• Backcountry Damage: Underbelly scrapes, landing gear damage, propeller strikes from rough-field operations
• Jump Plane History: Aircraft used for skydiving operations have very high door cycles and structural stress
• Part 135 Logbooks: Commercial operators may defer maintenance; scrutinize logbooks carefully

Logbook & Documentation Red Flags

• Missing Float Logs: If float-equipped, float logs must be complete and detailed
• STC Documentation: Float STCs, cargo door STCs, extended baggage STCs must have proper FAA paperwork
• Damage Not Disclosed: NTSB/FAA accident database search may reveal unreported incidents
• Multiple Owners in Short Period: Red flag suggesting hidden problems

Market & Valuation Issues

• Overpriced Float Equipment: Older floats don't add as much value as sellers claim
• Non-Standard Configurations: Heavily modified interiors or unusual equipment may limit resale market
• Regional Market Factors: Alaska/Canada aircraft may have been operated harder than southern aircraft

For Cessna 206s with commercial history, budget $2,500-3,500 for a thorough pre-buy inspection by a mechanic experienced with utility operations. If float-equipped, have floats inspected separately by a float specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions - Cessna 206 Stationair Financing

What credit score do I need to finance a Cessna 206 Stationair?

Lenders typically require a minimum credit score of 680-700 for Cessna 206 Stationair financing. Borrowers with scores above 720 receive the best rates. The Cessna 206 Stationair's strong market demand helps secure favorable financing terms for qualified borrowers.

How much down payment is required for a Cessna 206 Stationair?

Down payments typically range from 15-20% depending on aircraft age, condition, and buyer qualifications. Well-maintained aircraft with modern avionics may qualify for lower down payments. Your credit profile and experience also influence requirements.

What loan terms are available for Cessna 206 Stationair financing?

Typical loan terms range from 15-20 years for newer models and 12-15 years for older aircraft. Amortization can extend to 20 years with flexible balloon payment structures. Your final term depends on aircraft age, value, and your financial profile.

What insurance is required for a financed Cessna 206 Stationair?

Lenders require liability coverage (minimum $1M) and hull insurance covering the full loan amount. Annual premiums range from $1,800-$5,000 depending on pilot experience, hull value, and whether the aircraft is used for business or personal purposes. Insurance costs are generally reasonable for this aircraft type.

How quickly can I get approved for Cessna 206 Stationair financing?

Pre-qualification typically takes 24-48 hours with basic information. Full underwriting requires 7-14 business days with complete documentation including tax returns, financial statements, and aircraft details. Closing can occur within 3-4 weeks of application, sometimes faster for experienced borrowers with clean credit.

Can I include avionics upgrades in my Cessna 206 Stationair financing?

Yes, avionics upgrades like Garmin G500/G600/G3X installations can often be rolled into your purchase loan or accomplished through a refinance. Modern glass cockpits typically add value exceeding their cost, making them attractive to both lenders and buyers. Lenders prefer certified installations with proper documentation.

What happens if I want to upgrade to a different aircraft later?

You can sell your Cessna 206 Stationair at any time and use equity toward your next aircraft. Well-maintained aircraft typically build equity over time, especially if you maintain it well and make strategic improvements. Some lenders offer streamlined refinancing or trade-up programs.

Related Articles & Resources

• Complete Beginner's Guide to Buying a Cessna 206 Stationair - Specifications, pricing, and ownership costs
• Aircraft Financing Options Guide - Compare loan programs and lenders
• Cessna 182 Financing - Popular single-engine financing
• Aircraft Insurance and Financing - Understanding insurance requirements
• Aircraft Financing for First-Time Buyers - Step-by-step guide