About the CESSNA 210-5
The Cessna 210-5, also known by its marketing name, the Cessna 205, is a remarkable single-engine, high-wing aircraft produced by Cessna Aircraft Company. Introduced in the early 1960s, the Cessna 205 represented an evolution in the series of light aircraft that Cessna had been perfecting for decades. Its primary motivation for production was to fill a niche in Cessna's product lineup between the smaller Cessna 182 and the more robust Cessna 210, providing a balance of size, performance, and cost for general aviation pilots and small charter operations. The 205 has a conventional metal construction, a tricycle landing gear, and a design that offered better performance and load-carrying capacity compared to its predecessors. It is powered by a Continental IO-470-S engine, which produces about 260 horsepower, giving the aircraft a respectable cruise speed and impressive range. One of the standout benefits of the Cessna 205 is its versatility and reliability. It can comfortably carry a pilot and five passengers, while also accommodating substantial baggage, making it ideal for both personal and business travel. Moreover, the high-wing design improves visibility and offers a smoother ride in turbulent conditions, factors highly valued in general aviation. The 205 is also recognized for its simpler systems when compared to the more complex Cessna 210. This simplicity made it more accessible and easier to maintain for individual owners and smaller operations. Additionally, the utility of the aircraft was enhanced with its fixed-gear design, which reduced maintenance costs and improved ease of use for pilots. Though production of the Cessna 205 was relatively brief, spanning from 1962 to 1964, it set the stage for the later development of the well-known Cessna 210 Centurion series. The legacy of the Cessna 205 is a testament to Cessna's ability to innovate and adapt to the needs of general aviation pilots, providing them with reliable, versatile, and efficient aircraft.