Cessna 206 Turbine for Sale — Buy or Sell a Turbine-Converted Stationair Worldwide

The Cessna 206 Turbine represents the ultimate evolution of Cessna's legendary Stationair platform — combining the rugged, proven airframe of the piston-powered Model 206 with the extraordinary performance, reliability, and fuel efficiency of a modern turboprop engine. Turbine conversions transform the already-capable 206 into a high-altitude, hot-and-high performer that excels in bush operations, aerial survey, skydiving, cargo, and personal travel in demanding environments. Cessna 206 Turbine aircraft for sale are highly sought after by operators who need single-engine turboprop capability in a compact, versatile, and affordable package. Airplane Trade connects buyers and sellers of turbine-converted Stationairs worldwide.

The Cessna 206 Airframe — A Foundation Built for Work

The Cessna 206 Stationair has been in continuous production since 1962, making it one of the longest-running and most successful single-engine utility aircraft in aviation history. The standard piston-powered 206 is powered by a Continental IO-520 or IO-550 engine producing 285–310 hp, giving it excellent payload capacity and short-field performance. However, in environments where density altitude is extreme — high-altitude airports, tropical heat, or heavily loaded bush operations — the piston-powered 206 reaches its limits quickly. The turbine conversion addresses this limitation decisively, replacing the piston engine with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-family or Walter M601 turboprop that delivers vastly superior power-to-weight performance at all altitudes and temperatures.

Popular Turbine Conversion Programs

Several STC-approved turbine conversion programs exist for the Cessna 206 airframe, each offering different engines and performance profiles:

  • Soloy Turbine PAC 750 / Allison Conversion — One of the earliest and most established turbine conversions; Allison 250-series turboprop engine; significant power increase over the piston original; widely used in Alaska and Pacific Island bush operations.
  • Blackhawk XP67A (PT6A-21) Conversion — Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21 engine producing 550 shp flat-rated for airframe limits; very clean installation; improved cruise speed and climb rate; excellent reliability record.
  • Blackhawk XP140 (PT6A-140) Conversion — More powerful PT6A-140 engine; produces exceptional climb performance and cruise speeds above 180 knots; popular for high-altitude operations in the Andes, Himalayas, and Rocky Mountains.
  • Walter M601 Turboprop Conversion — Czech-manufactured turboprop; popular in Europe and Africa; competitive acquisition cost; good parts support in relevant markets.
  • GAMI / Other Experimental Conversions — Some Cessna 206 airframes have received experimental-category turbine conversions not under STC; these require careful evaluation of their regulatory status before purchase.

Performance — Cessna 206 Turbine (PT6A Conversion)

  • Engine — Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21 or PT6A-140 (depending on conversion)
  • Maximum Speed — 175–190 knots (depending on engine and conversion)
  • Cruise Speed — 155–175 knots at 75% power
  • Range — 800–1,100 nm with standard tanks
  • Service Ceiling — 25,000+ ft (turbine variants)
  • Rate of Climb — 1,500–2,000 ft/min (sea level, MTOW)
  • MTOW — 3,600–3,800 lb (varies by conversion STC)
  • Useful Load — Up to 1,400 lb (635 kg)
  • Fuel Type — Jet-A (turbine variants)

Operational Advantages of the Turbine 206

The turbine-converted Cessna 206 offers a compelling set of advantages over its piston counterpart that justify the higher acquisition and conversion cost in the right operational environment:

  • Hot-and-High Performance — Turboprop engines maintain rated power at altitude and high temperatures where piston engines lose significant performance; critical for high-elevation airports and tropical climates.
  • Reliability — PT6A family engines are renowned worldwide for exceptional mean time between failures (MTBF) and have accumulated hundreds of millions of flight hours; in remote operations, engine reliability is paramount.
  • Jet-A Fuel Availability — In many parts of the world, aviation gasoline (avgas) is scarce or expensive while Jet-A is widely available and cheaper; the turbine 206 can operate wherever commercial aviation fuel is sold.
  • Lower Vibration — Turboprop engines run more smoothly than piston engines, reducing airframe fatigue, passenger discomfort, and avionics wear.
  • Skydiving Operations — The turbine 206's improved climb rate makes it highly popular with jump operators who need to reach jump altitude quickly and economically.

Buying a Cessna 206 Turbine — Key Considerations

  • STC Documentation — Verify that the turbine conversion was performed under a valid FAA or EASA STC; request copies of the STC paperwork and verify it covers the specific airframe serial number.
  • Engine Hours (TTSN / SMOH) — PT6A engines are expensive to overhaul ($150,000–$250,000 depending on variant); assess hours since new or since last major overhaul carefully.
  • Conversion Quality — Inspect the quality of the conversion work; look for a professional installation with proper engine mount integrity, fuel system modification, and avionics integration.
  • Airframe Hours — The underlying Cessna 206 airframe is stressed-cycle certified; evaluate total airframe time and any history of hard landings, damage, or major repairs.
  • Operating Costs — Plan for Jet-A fuel burn of approximately 30–40 gallons per hour and PT6A engine reserves of $100–$150 per flight hour.

Find Your Cessna 206 Turbine on Airplane Trade

Airplane Trade is the leading global marketplace for turbine-converted utility aircraft, including the Cessna 206 Turbine Stationair in all conversion variants. Browse verified listings from bush operators, flight schools, skydiving centers, and private sellers worldwide. Each listing includes full conversion details, engine status, and direct seller contact. Whether you are sourcing a workhorse for remote operations or seeking a capable and economical single-engine turboprop for personal travel, Airplane Trade makes it straightforward to find and acquire the right aircraft.