About the CESSNA 210-5(205)
The Cessna 210-5, also known simply as the Cessna 205 for its production model, is a pivotal aircraft in the lineage of Cessna's general aviation designs. Introduced in 1963, the Cessna 205 emerged as a transitional model between the Cessna 210 and the Cessna 206, keying into a market for a larger, more capable aircraft suitable for both private owners and utility purposes. This development came at a time when Cessna was actively expanding its product lines to accommodate a broader array of aviation needs, from personal flying to commercial and freight services.
The Cessna 205 featured a high-wing, six-seat configuration and was equipped with a normally aspirated 260 horsepower Continental IO-470-S engine. The design of the 205 borrowed elements from the existing 210 model, particularly the wing and fuselage, but introduced fixed landing gear, which distinguished it from the retractable gear of the 210. This design choice significantly lowered the maintenance demands compared to its predecessor, making it more attractive to buyers requiring efficiency and reliability.
Key Features and Capabilities
This model served as a foundation for the later and more widely known Cessna 206 series. Its versatility allowed it to cater to a wide range of operations, including passenger transport, cargo hauling, and even special missions like aerial photography and skydiving. These factors made the Cessna 205 an appealing choice for flight schools, air taxi operators, and private pilots needing a durable and spacious aircraft.
Though the Cessna 205 had a relatively short production run from 1963 to 1964, it laid the groundwork for its successors by proving the viability and popularity of a rugged, fixed-gear aircraft with ample capacity. The aircraft's reputation for reliability and practicality contributed to the success of the subsequent 206 series, solidifying Cessna's dominance in the high-wing general aviation market.