Cessna 182 vs. Cessna 206

[laudaksg 0]

Are there any thoughts on skydive planes for a DZ - Cessna 206 Turbo or Cessna 182. From a DZ operations point of view, what are the Pros and Cons for both planes?
Why is C182 more popular than C206?

[wolfriverjoe 1,523]

laudaksg

Are there any thoughts on skydive planes for a DZ - Cessna 206 Turbo or Cessna 182. From a DZ operations point of view, what are the Pros and Cons for both planes?
Why is C182 more popular than C206?

The 182 is more popular because there are more of them. There were more of them made, and more equipped for jumping.

I would be very careful using a Turbo. Of any kind. The engine management on the Turbos is very important. While it's not unimportant in a 182, it's more involved in the Turbo.

Turbos are intended to go up high and stay there. The up & down of skydiving operations is hard on them. Again, it's hard on any plane, but turbos are susceptible to damage. Cooking a Turbo can be done very quickly. Replacement/repair is very expensive.

If you choose the turbo, make sure the pilot knows exactly what he's doing.

"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy

"~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo

[kawisixer01 0]

From what I was told talking to a couple people who know much more than me and who have actually ran the numbers, is that the airframe is much heavier. Yet the plane's capacity isn't much more, not enough more to make it worth it, and it is actually less fuel efficient with a slower climb rate.

[ryoder 1,590]

http://diverdriver.com/

Click on the pulldown tab titled "Aircraft".
There is a menu item for 182, and another for 206.
There might be useful info in there.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[tkhayes 348]

lots of places seem to have success with a 206, however we did not. the engines seem to be fragile, everything is about engine temperature management. All you do is fly for best engine temperatures.

The 182 is common, hardy, indestructible seemingly and takes far less 'management' to fly it. You have to fly it 'carefully' sure but far less issues with engine temperatures and such, you can fly VSI and watch temperatures. Same on descent, the numbers are easy, plus far more availability of parts and such.

[DHemer 0]

Our DZ has a 182 and 206 (non turbo)
The climb performance of the 182 is noticeably better than the 206 (They have similar engine performance)

The big deciding factor though is our 182 has a mogas conversion so it cheaper to run than the avgas 206.

I prefer the 206 for the space and I know one DZ has a more powerful NA engine in theirs and has no problem taking 5 people to 11000ft agl

[Blis 1]

From jumpers point of view, the 206 is much more roomy and the door is nicer. However for static lining students the 182 is much easier than 206.

Depending on exit weight of jumpers it's 4-5 with 182 and 5-6 on a 206 persons per load.

[dzswoop717 5]

A U-206 is easier to do tandems out of than a 182. There are DZ's that operate turbo 206's , but as mentioned above, they were not designed for quick decents. Turbos crack easily when over cooled and cost major bucks to replace. A nonturbo, stock 206 is a slow climber with 5 jumpers on board. A 206 with an IO-550 is your best bet if you absolutely want a 206. A good old 182 can't be beat for small skydiving operations. Lower purchase price, lower maitenance costs, lower insurance, lower fuel burn, easier to fly, better parts availability. I have owned a few 182's and a 206, I would go with a 182 if you are new to the skydiving business.

[JohnMitchell 16]

dzswoop717

A U-206 is easier to do tandems out of than a 182.

Boy, I gotta agree with that. However, AFF is easier out of the C182. Anyone out there doing a lot of AFF out of a U206 door? How's the best way to exit?

[riggerrob 643]

Let's be clear on the different door styles.
The co-pilot's door installed in Cessna 182 and P206 is best for static-line and accompanied freefall.
The aft cargo door on U206 is easiest for tandems exits, however it is awkward for AFF.
Interior space is pretty much the same on wide-bodied 182s and 206s.
The old narrow-body (1950s vintage) 182s are cramped, but climb better because they are lighter.