Cessna U206H vs Cessna 185

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna U206H

No active listings right now.

Cessna 185
For sale now
70
Median asking
$280,000
Range
$189,000–$429,900
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
24
Source marketplaces
15
Model years available
1961–1985

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Cessna U206HCessna 185
All events476
Serious23
Fatal43
Fatalities93
% Fatal9%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna U206H Cessna 185
Cessna U206H
View 1 listings →
Median $599,000
Cessna 185
View 68 listings →
Median $280,000
Price Range $599,000 $189,000 – $429,900
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6
Horsepower 300 HP
Cruise Speed 145 kts (269 km/h)
Range 720 nm (1,333 km)
Service Ceiling 17,150 ft (5,227 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
Useful Load 1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Fuel Capacity 84.0 gal (318 L)
Fuel Burn 15.5 GPH (59 L/h)
TBO 1,700 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000
Annual Fixed $22,000
Hourly Variable $175
Engines 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna U206H

Cessna 185

Fuel$85/hr
Variable$175/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $57,000/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna U206H or Cessna 185?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 185 cruises at 145 kts with 720 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna U206H: from $599,000. Cessna 185: from $216,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna U206H and Cessna 185?
185 engine: Continental IO-470-F (300 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
185: about $175/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
185: 6 seats / 1,440 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
185: 1,700-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data