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Cessna 172 Skyhawk vs Cessna 182 Skylane vs Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair vs Cessna Caravan

The Cessna Skyhawk (172) is a light single‑engine piston trainer and personal aircraft, typically carrying 3–4 people including the pilot, with a usual still‑air range roughly around 600–800 nautical miles depending on model, power setting, and reserves. The Cessna Skylane (182) is a higher‑performance single‑engine piston aircraft suited to longer cross‑country travel and heavier loads, generally 4 people (often up to 5 with smaller occupants and reduced fuel), with typical range about 700–900 nautical miles. The Cessna Turbo Stationair (206) is a turbocharged utility piston aircraft optimized for hauling people and cargo from shorter or unimproved strips; it commonly seats 6, with practical range often around 600–900 nautical miles depending on payload and altitude use. The Cessna Caravan (208) is a single‑engine turboprop workhorse for regional utility and charter, usually configured for 9–14 passengers (with freight options), and commonly offers about 900–1,200 nautical miles of range depending on variant, payload, and operating conditions.

SpecCessna SkyhawkCessna SkylaneCessna Turbo StationairCessna Caravan
Summary
DOC / nm$ 0.95$ 1.01$ 1.08$ 3.07
Total Seats44610
Flight RulesVFRVFRVFRVFR
ManufacturerCessnaCessnaCessnaCessna
Aircraft Name172 Skyhawk182 Skylane206 Turbo StationairCaravan
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6409157031070
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.24$ 0.25$ 0.18$ 0.38
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Direct Operating Cost$ 118$ 146$ 174$ 571
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXiGarmin G1000 NXi
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)124145161186
Base Aircraft Price (USD) $415,000 $530,000 $745,000 $2,355,000
Cockpit——22
Standard Cabin Seats——48
Min Crew———1
Max Cabin Seats———9
Useful Load (lbs)———3305
Cabin
Total Seats44610
Cockpit——22
Standard Cabin Seats——48
Lavatory———No
Min Crew———1
Cargo Door———Yes
Max Cabin Seats———9
Cabin Pressure (psi)———Un-Pressurized
Galley / Refreshment———No
Engine
FADECNoNoNoYes
ModelIO-360-L2AIO-540-AB1A5TIO-540-AJ1APT6A-114A
Fuel TypeAvGasAvGasAvGas—
TBO (hrs)2000200020003600
TBO (yrs)121212—
Horsepower200245350675
Fuel DeliveryFuel InjectedFuel InjectedFuel Injected—
No. of Engines1111
Fuel Capacity (gal)428787—
Flat Rating———ISA + 31
Dimensions
Length (ft)27.22928.337.6
Wingspan (ft)36.1363652.1
Cabin Width (ft)3.43.53.65.4
Cabin Height (ft)44.14.24.5
Cabin Length (ft)11.911.212.112.8
Overall Height (ft)99.49.415
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)30321132