Cessna 182 Skylane vs Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair vs Cessna Caravan vs Piper Seneca

The Cessna 182 Skylane is a single‑engine, normally aspirated piston aircraft typically used for personal and light utility flying. It generally carries four people (sometimes five with smaller loads) and offers moderate range, often in the roughly 700–900 nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves. The Cessna Turbo Stationair (commonly the turbocharged 206) is also a single‑engine piston aircraft but optimized for load-hauling and short, unimproved strips. It commonly seats six and trades some cruise efficiency for useful load and flexibility, with range often in a similar ballpark to the Skylane or somewhat higher depending on tanks and power settings. The Cessna 208 Caravan is a single‑engine turboprop designed for utility, cargo, and regional commuter work. It typically carries 9–14 passengers (often 9 in commuter service) and has solid medium range, commonly around 900–1,200 nautical miles. The Piper Seneca is a twin‑engine piston aircraft aimed at faster cross‑country travel with redundancy. It usually seats six and offers moderate range, often around 700–1,000 nautical miles.