Cessna 210 Guide and Specs : Pricing and Features

Cessna 210 Centurion: What is This Little Plane Like?

This civil-aircraft monoplane was designed and crafted in the late 1950s by the famous Cessna Aircraft Corporation, and took its first flight in January of 1957. Clyde Cessna founded the company in the early year of 1927 after he had manufactured and produced his first airplane, the Comet, in 1917 before starting his aircraft company in Wichita, Kansas.

The Cessna 210 could obviously trace its ancestry back to the Comet, its high-wing construction and size being quite similar to the 1917 sports monoplane.

Equipped with a single engine, and a passenger capacity of four to six depending upon the model, this light, easily flown, durable plane was converted into its own type from the Cessna 182B. Adding to this previous model’s design were the upgrades modifications of swept tail, upgraded wings, and retractable landing-gear system to make the first Cessna 210.

Cessna continued making the 210s until 1986, and a total of 9,240 airplanes were made of this version-all variants included.

Uses

Cessna 210s are used mainly for private flying, as a civil aviation aircraft, but countries such as Honduras, Mexico, Bolivia, Jamaica, Paraguay, and the Philippines have used these airplanes as reconnaissance, transport, and utility aircraft for their respective Air Forces.

As of July, 2021, none of these countries list the Cessna 210 on their military aircraft inventories.

Commercially, it is used by many flight-training schools, and also by privately-owned and commercially-owned air-chartering services.

Mysterious Disappearances of Cessna 210s

In two instances, the Cessna 210 has mysteriously disappeared. The first occurred on August 12th, 1964, when US Navy pilot Charles Clifford Ogle flew his 210A over California. Neither he nor his plane was ever found.

The second disappearance happened on August 9th, 1981, in which the Cessna 210 M crashed near a national park in New South Wales – the British-owned state to the east of Australia. It was in the midst of a violently cold storm, but no one ever found the 5 passengers or the plane’s remains.

Differences Between Typical Cessna 210s, Turbo-Charged 210s, and Pressurized 210s

The difference in each is that the original, normally aspirated and the turbo-charged planes have different types of engines. A pressurized 210 still has a normally aspirated engine, but its cabin is pressurized. It has nothing to do with the type of engine.

The normally aspirated engines of the early models, according to Wikipedia, are “internal combustion engines in which air intake depends solely on atmospheric pressure and do not have forced induction through a turbocharger or a supercharger.”

Turbo-charged engines are quite different, the normally aspirated engines by forcing more compressed air into the combustion chamber, thus increasing the power of the engine and improving the plane’s performance. Also, the turbine drives more fuel into the chamber than any atmospheric-aspirated engine can.

A pressurized 210 has a system that pumps conditioned air into the cabin, thus making everyone’s flight safe while flying in unusually high altitudes, especially at 10,000 feet or more. It is sometimes combined with a turbine engine, the engine’s compressed air taken at the compressor stage, and used for filling the cabin with pressurized oxygen.

In the Cessna 210, however, it is not combined with a turbine, and the pressurized oxygen is stored in a special tank.

Cessna 210’s Specifications and Distinctive Features

Features

• Monoplane
• General Aviation Aircraft
• Single Naturally Aspirated, Turbo-Charged, or Pressurized Turbo-Charged Piston Engine
• Four Seats in Old Models; Six Seats From 1964 210D Onward
• Retractable Tricycle Landing Gear W/ or W/O
• Fixed High Wings
• Swipt Tail

1957 Cessna 210

The first Cessna 210 was flown in 1957, and more than six decades later, the Centurion – as we know it now – in its original naturally-aspirated, turbo-charged, and pressurized forms, continues to be well-loved by many pilots and passengers alike.

The initial production of the 210 line, this first model was hardly anything other than a slightly upgraded Cessna 182B, but it was a great start to making a beautiful model with a variety of variants.

1961 Cessna 210A Two Ten

Until 1961, the 210A’s wing and fuselage were smaller. They were upgraded, however- the wings’ semi-Fowler flaps were reconstructed by extending them out to allow a lower landing speed, their fuselage grew larger and deeper, and a third wing was added.

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Three Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-470 260 HP Piston Engine

Length: 27 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 7 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 5 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,740 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 2,900 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 199 MPH

Cruise speed: 189 MPH

Stall speed:  58 MPH

Service ceiling: 20,700 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,300 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,135 Feet

Landing distance from 50 ft: 1,190 Feet

1962 Cessna 210B Two Ten

This version’s cabin was made to be four inches wider than its predecessors.

Specifications

Crew#:  One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Three Passengers

Engine:  One Continental Motors IO-470 260 HP Piston Engine

Length: 27 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 7 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 6 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,780 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,000 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 195 MPH

Cruise speed: 184 MPH

Stall speed:  59 MPH

Service ceiling: 20,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,270 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,210 Feet

Landing distance from 50 ft: 1,110 Feet

1963 Cessna 210C Two Ten

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Three Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-470 260 HP Piston Engine

Length: 27 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 7 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 6 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,780 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,000 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 195 MPH

Cruise speed: 184 MPH

Stall speed:  59 MPH

Service ceiling: 20,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,270 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,210 Feet

Landing distance from 50 ft: 1,110 Feet

1964 Cessna 210D Centurion

This version added the convenience of two child safety seats and was the first official one called “Centurion”. Also, it is the first variant to hold a total of six people (including the pilot).

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: Continental Motors IO-520-A 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 4 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 9 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 7 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,860 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,099 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 199 MPH

Cruise speed: 191 MPH

Stall speed:  60 MPH

Service ceiling: 21,000 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,210 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,110 Feet

Landing distance from 50 ft: 1,275 Feet

1965 Cessna 210E Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: Continental Motors IO-520-A 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 4 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 9 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 7 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,860 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,099 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 199 MPH

Cruise speed: 191 MPH

Stall speed:  60 MPH

Service ceiling: 21,000 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,210 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,110 Feet

Landing distance from 50 ft: 1,275 Feet

1966 Cessna 210F Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-520-A 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 0 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 9 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 7 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,865 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,300 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 198 MPH

Cruise speed: 190 MPH

Stall speed:  62 MPH

Service ceiling: 19,900 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,115 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,265 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,340 Feet

1966 Cessna T210F Turbo-Charged Centurion

The first variant to be equipped with a turbo-charged engine.

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-C 285 HP Turbo-Charged Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 0 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 9 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 7 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,965 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,300 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 65 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 230 MPH

Cruise speed: 219 MPH

Stall speed:  62 MPH

Service ceiling: 31,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,280 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,265 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,340 Feet

1967 Cessna 210G Centurion

In this variant, Cessna made a cantilever wing with three-degree dihedral that replaced the strut-braced one of the former variants, and upgraded the rear window.

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-520-A 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,960 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,399 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 MPH

Cruise speed: 192 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 18,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,000 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1967 Cessna T210G Turbo-Charged Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-C 285 HP Turbo-Charged Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 7 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,050 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,400 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 89 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 233 MPH

Cruise speed: 223 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 30,200 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,115 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1968 Cessna 210H Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-520-A 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,960 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,399 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 MPH

Cruise speed: 192 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 18,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,000 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1968 Cessna T210H Turbo-Charged Centurion

Specifications

Crew #: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-C 285 HP Turbo-Charged Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 7 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,050 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,400 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 89 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 233 MPH

Cruise speed: 223 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 30,200 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,115 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1969 Cessna 210J Centurion

Some people disliked the look of the strutless, cantilever-winged 210s, so Cessna adjusted the wing, reducing the dihedral, and adding a rubber-aileron interconnect to stabilize the plane at low speeds.

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-520-J 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,960 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,399 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 MPH

Cruise speed: 192 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 18,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,000 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1969 Cessna T210J Turbo-Charged Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-H 285 HP Turbo-Charged Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 7 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,050 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,400 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 89 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 233 MPH

Cruise speed: 223 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 30,200 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,115 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1970 Cessna 210K Centurion

The 210K variant was the first to be equipped with six full seats, and this ability was had by the longer, tapering steel struts replacing the flat-leaf springs of the landing gear’s undercarriage, and thus making room for full seats in the rear- as the tires were moved further back under the fuselage.

Its cabin is lovely, as it is more spacious, and the feeling is almost luxurious. Equipped with upgraded landing gear. Also, the four windows in previous models were replaced by two extra-large windows

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-520-L 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,960 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,399 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 MPH

Cruise speed: 192 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 18,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,000 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1970 Cessna T210K Turbo-Charged Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-H 285 HP Turbo-Charged Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,180 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,800 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 235 MPH

Cruise speed: 215 MPH

Stall speed: 65 MPH

Service ceiling: 28,500 Feet

Rate of climb: 930 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,030 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,500 Feet

1972 Cessna 210L Centurion

Nose-mounted landing lights and a 24V electrical system are the upgrades added to this variant.

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental IO-520-L 285 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 1,960 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,399 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 MPH

Cruise speed: 192 MPH

Stall speed:  63 MPH

Service ceiling: 18,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,000 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,365 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,355 Feet

1972 Cessna T210L Turbo-Charged Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-H 285 HP Turbo-Charged Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 3 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,180 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,800 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 235 MPH

Cruise speed: 215 MPH

Stall speed: 65 MPH

Service ceiling: 28,500 Feet

Rate of climb: 930 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,030 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,500 Feet

1977 Cessna 210M Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors 300 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 2 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,219 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,800 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 MPH

Cruise speed: 195 MPH

Stall speed:  65 MPH

Service ceiling: 17,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 950 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,030 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,500 Feet

1977 Cessna T210M Turbo-Charged Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors 310 HP TSIO-520-R Turbo-Charged Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 2 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 5 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,306 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,800 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 234 MPH

Cruise speed: 226 MPH

Stall speed: 65 MPH

Service ceiling: 28,500 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,030 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,900 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,500 Feet

Prior 1978 Cessna 210N II Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum# of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: Continental Motors 300 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 2 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,219 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,800 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 200 MPH

Cruise speed: 195 MPH

Stall speed:  65 MPH

Service ceiling: 17,300 Feet

Rate of climb: 950 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,030 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,500 Feet

1979 Cessna T210N Turbo-Charged Centurion

Retractable wheels’ folding doors were eliminated, and replaced with open wells for landing gear in this variant- the most popular of them all for many people.

Specifications

Crew#: One

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-R Turbo-Charged 310 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 2 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,303 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 4,000 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 234 MPH

Cruise speed: 220 MPH

Stall speed: 66 MPH

Service ceiling: 27,000 Feet

Rate of climb: 930 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,160 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,500 Feet

Prior 1981 P210N II Pressurized Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors 310 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 2 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 36 Feet, 9 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,481 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 4,000

Fuel Capacity: 90 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 231 MPH

Cruise speed: 219 MPH

Stall speed: 66 MPH

Service ceiling: 23,000 Feet

Rate of climb: 945 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,160 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,500 Feet

1985 Cessna 210R Centurion

Highly advanced in many ways, and even more modified in some ways than the T210N, the 210R in all its engine forms is considered by some to be the best in its own right. Obviously, opinion will differ with each pilot’s taste, so you would have to try each variant to see what is the best choice for yourself.

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors IO-520-L 300 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 2 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 38 Feet, 10 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,220 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 3,850 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 87 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 345 MPH

Cruise speed: 201 MPH

Stall speed: 60 MPH

Service ceiling: 16,000 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,060 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,050 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,585 Feet

1985 Cessna T210R Turbo-Charged Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

Maximum # of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-CE Turbo-Charged 325 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 4 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 38 Feet, 10 Inches

Empty Weight: 2,320 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 4,100 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 87 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 257 MPH

Cruise speed: 238 MPH

Stall speed: 63 MPH

Service ceiling: 29,000 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,150 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,110 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,600 Feet

1985 Cessna P210R Pressurized Centurion

Specifications

Crew#: One (Pilot)

# of Passengers: Five Passengers

Engine: One Continental Motors TSIO-520-CE 325 HP Piston Engine

Length: 28 Feet, 4 Inches

Height: 9 Feet, 8 Inches

Wingspan: 38 Feet, 10 Inches
Empty Weight: 2,471 Pounds

Maximum Gross Weight: 4,100 Pounds

Fuel Capacity: 85 Gallons

Performance

Maximum speed: 257 MPH

Cruise speed: 243 MPH

Stall speed: 63 MPH

Service ceiling: 25,000 Feet

Rate of climb: 1,150 Feet/Minute

Takeoff Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 2,110 Feet

Landing Over 50 Feet Obstacle: 1,600 Feet

Pricing Guide for Cessna 210s

Prices for this make vary with each model, and because of various reasons. Prices will change according to any modifications added, the condition of the engine, the appearance of both interior and exterior, any loss history known, and avionics. The base price of a Cessna 210 was found to be the 1960-era ones at an average cost of $36,000.

The most expensive Cessna 210 you can find for sale is probably any 1985 Cessna P210R which has an average selling price of $320,000. A few good online websites for purchasing a used 210 are:

1. Trade-A-Plane
2. Hangar 67
3. Global Plane Search
4. Aero Trader

Performance and Handling

Handling the Cessna 210 is not an easy task, but it is also by no means very difficult to learn. Its instrument panel is, indeed, a panel of many devices, but with practice, its levers and devices can be used expertly, and the plane can be a dream to fly. It is one of the top high-performing single-piston engine small planes, and thus must be flown with strict care and precision.

At lower speeds, the plane loses its altitude drastically, so the throttle must be kept at a regular speed at all times, as it is very hard to regain that altitude once gained.

Also, at high speeds, it is quite hard to quickly slow down the aircraft, which, when trying to land, may result in missing the runway. Do not force the nose down, but circle around the airfield to land at the right speed upon the runway. Be patient, for your life and the airplane’s wellbeing is worth it.

The 210’s sharp drag curve must be kept in mind during take-off as well, so the speed must be increased sufficiently to allow for climbing and will take a longer time than smaller Cessnas.

Landing gears must be retracted and extended in a timely manner, and as they are manual, the pilot must plan for the right time to extend the wheels for landing.

Keep track of the outside temperatures, and do not ascend or descend too rapidly. Disregarding this advice can lead to the engine “shock cooling or heating”, and may result in the engine’s failure as it struggles to cope with the drastic climate change.

Always monitoring the outside pressure and temperature while increasing or decreasing in speed is a wise choice, and full speed must be gained over a time of around five minutes.

Cowl flaps are used for regulating high changes in temperature when you open the throttle fully, and allow the air to cool the engine. Always be sure to open them during taking off and landing.

Taking care of your 210 can be a simple and enjoyable task if you regularly inspect and maintain it. Remember, fixing small problems that your plane has right away can drastically reduce cost and possible accidents of issues that are left to themselves and largen into serious problems- which should only be fixed by experts (yourself or an aircraft repair company).

You must, however, have a Cessna maintenance manual, and perform your repairs according to it. Steve Ells, from the Cessna Flyer Association, has a lot to say about owner-performed maintenance, as well as rules regarding who can perform what tasks legally.

Always make sure to check your landing gear, as it easily fouls up. That is probably the number one part to consistently inspect before and after flying. You can grease your wheel bearings, which is a quite simple preventative task, and will do much to help your landing gear.

Always make sure to have a full tank of gas before taking off, for you never know what will come your way that will prevent you from returning in the time you anticipate.

If, however, you do fly on a partially filled tank, be sure of your flight plan, and that you will be flying over flat ground in case of the need for a forced landing, or will almost certainly return to the hangar you flew out from in a reasonable time in regards to the amount of fuel in your tank.

Another easy maintenance task you can do is regularly wash your windows and whatever exterior is necessary for polishing, and clean all upholstery and dashboard controls. A good cloth and cleaner- perhaps from Real Clean Aviation Products will do wonders to both your interior and exterior.

Modifications and Upgrades

Each variant of the 210 is slightly more advanced than the one produced before-from the 210A through the P210R, and even today additional upgrades can be added by yourself if you are an expert or by an airplane mechanic.

Modifications may include a wing spar carry-through beam corrosion repair package offered and sold by Aeronautical Engineers Australia; and upgraded planes include a

• 2008 remanufactured 210 called a “Centurion Edition T210” which is equipped with upgraded engine and glass cockpit, and other refurbishments developed by Crownair Aviation,
• Two conversions offered by Griggs Aircraft Refinishing- namely the Rolls-Royce Model 250 turboprop upgrade of the T210 and P210N, called the “Silver Eagle”, the latter being formerly produced by O&N Aircraft,
• Cessna 210 conversion of all models with Continental Motors’ TSIO-520 engines called the “Riley Rocket” to which turbo was added an intercooler to increase the original horsepower of 310 to 340 HP,
• And a TN550 conversion produced by Vitatoe Aviation hosting a Cont. Motors IO-550P piston with IO-520 turbocharger complete with twin intercoolers and upgraded alternator.

Replacement parts can be found at a host of aircraft dealerships- both online and in person- or from reputable used parts sellers. Some good brand new choices may come from these dealers:

Univair

Knots 2U

Texas Aeroplastics

McFarlane

Common Problems

The 210 is virtually a low-maintenance, easily-flown plane, but problems do arise, and here are the two of the most common.

• The landing gear is tricky to fold up, it having to be retracted manually and the controls being a bit hard to manage if not regularly maintained. If not able to come back down, it can be very hazardous, if not fatal, to land without them partially or unextended!
• Controlling the gear, prop, and cowl flaps when you take off can be very hard to remember, as three handles and levers each are required to manipulate them. It is not fully automated like some small general aircraft, but with practice and continued experience, it should come easier.

Insurance Options

Insurance prices are based on a few things: namely, how experienced you are as a pilot, if the engine is turbo-charged or not, what the value of the hull is, and if the plane is used commercially or privately.

Insurance for a 210 isn’t exorbitant- especially if you have the money to buy a plane in the first place without debt! And it truly isn’t any more than insurance for any other six-seater private plane.

From BWI FLY, the cost ranges from $500-$750 per year for only Liability Coverage, and $2,150-$5,500 per year if Hull Coverage is also included.

Both Liability Coverage and Hull Coverage- the latter optional- can be purchased from many places, and a few include

1. BWI FLY

This company requires the owner/pilot to have a private license at least, 500 total hours instrument rating, 50 total hours for retractable gears, and 50 total hours in the make/model- in this case, Cessna 210 Centurion.

2.   Aviation Insurance Resources

3.   AVEMCO

Resale Value

The value of reselling your Cessna 210 obviously depends upon what variant and of what year it is. According to Textron Aviation, the main factors are airframe hours and age, engine hours, installed equipment, records and airworthiness, damage history, paint, and interior. Ask for a quote from Van Bortal or Sell My Plane Now!

Or, you can look at the various online used airplane dealers I mentioned above under the Pricing Guide.

Owner Reviews

Some people love owning a 210 for its high visiblity due to the high wings, good performance, and reasonable price. Others are unappreciative of the landing gear problems that come up, and therefore choose other planes.

Here are some of the things people are saying about the Cessna 210:

“I’ve owned a 1979 T210N for 6 years, and I love it. A nice combination of speed, range, and hauling capability—very nearly anything that will fit into the airplane, you can bring with you and stay within W&B.

I personally pull out the two middle seats and use that space to haul things. IMO, you’ll get better photos out of a cantilevered 210 than most any other airplane… even the strutted Cessnas will usually have the strut in the way. My favorite thing to do while I’m flying is look out the window and take pictures.” -Reddit reviewer

“I have a little time in a 210, good flying aircraft. Although I see the same 210s sold over and over because I hear the gear system is a maintenance atrocity.” -Reddit reviewer

“I never paid for the maintenance on it, but I love T210s. They carry anything you can fit inside and are fairly fast. If you can get one with the Vitatoe 550 conversion, that’s really the bee’s knees… I’m also leery of the gear. It needs fluid to extend, so there’s no “fail safe” like other manufacturers. In the 210, there’s even a tube in the cockpit to emergency add fluid in flight” -Reddit reviewer

Similar Aircraft

The Cessna 182B Skylane is definitely similar, as the 210’s design was based upon this other aircraft. With almost identical nose propellor, high wings, and tricycle landing gear, its main differences lie in the later 210s being strutless, and its many performance and appearance upgrades.

Clubs You Can Join

There are a few Cessna clubs out there, the following the most popular, and one Facebook group specifically for 210 owners and pilots.

• Cessna Flyer Association
• Cessna Owner Organization
• Cessna Pilots Association
• Facebook “Cessna 210 Owners and Pilots”

FAQs

Question: Why Are 210s so Expensive to Own?

Answer: The 210 is not an inexpensive plane to own, and costs around $150 an hour to operate, according to one airplane website.

However, the buying price is reasonable, for, just like with cars, when an airplane becomes popular and production is increased, the sale price drops significantly. One of these examples is the Cessna 210. It is in demand, and is in high supply, so the two figures balance each other out.

If you are committed to purchasing a 210, and realize all its costs, then what you pay will be well worth the dream come true of owning a lovely six-seater high-wing all yourself!

Question: What is the Cruising Speed of the 210?

Answer: In the beginning, the typical cruise speed of the 210 was around 189 MPH, and fluctuated thereafter between 184 to 201 in the Normally aspirated 210 line, starting with 210B and ending with 210R, and between 219 and 243 starting with T210F and ending with P210R in the Turbo-Charged and Pressurized cabin lines.

Question:  Why did Cessna Stop Producing the 210 Aircraft?

Answer: Supposedly, making These planes are too complex to make in modern times due to the high expenses Their production costs. Also, Cessna in the latter 1980s had ceased producing single-piston engined planes.

In its stead, the Cessna 206 continues to be manufactured. Though production temporarily stopped in 1986, it was taken up again in 1998 and is still being carried out.