Aircraft overview

The Cessna 210 Centurion is a high wing, retractable gear, six seat single engine aircraft built by Cessna from 1960 to 1986, following its first flight in 1957. It occupies an important place in the used aircraft market because it combines Cessna utility with higher cruise speed, long range capability and a large useful load. Unlike fixed gear Cessna singles, the Cessna 210 Centurion was designed for owners who needed serious cross country performance, often with enough payload for family, baggage and fuel. Later models introduced a cantilever wing without lift struts, giving the aircraft its familiar clean profile.

Performance & specifications

Performance varies by year, engine and turbocharging, but normally aspirated Cessna 210 models typically cruise in the mid 160 knot range, while turbocharged T210 versions can cruise closer to 180 knots at altitude. Practical range is commonly around 700 to 900 nautical miles, depending on fuel, power setting and reserves. Useful load is a major strength of the type, often around 1,400 to 1,700 lb in many well equipped examples. Service ceiling is about 17,000 feet for normally aspirated models, with turbocharged aircraft operating substantially higher. Powerplants are typically Continental IO-520 or TSIO-520 series engines, with later aircraft commonly rated at 300 hp for takeoff.

Cabin & avionics

The Cessna 210 Centurion usually offers seating for six, with two front seats, a middle row and compact rear seats best suited to shorter trips or smaller passengers. The cabin is narrower than many modern composite singles, but the aircraft is valued for baggage capacity and load flexibility. Factory avionics were conventional analog systems, so equipment varies widely today. Buyers will commonly see upgraded panels with Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 instruments, Aspen displays, Garmin G500 or G600 installations, and legacy Century, King or S TEC autopilots. The model was not delivered with Garmin Perspective or a factory G1000 suite.

Buying & value

Key inspection areas include landing gear condition and rigging, gear actuator and saddle issues on applicable models, fuel system integrity, corrosion, engine history and the quality of any major panel upgrade. Turbocharged T210 aircraft add altitude performance but require careful review of engine management and maintenance records. Common variants include the 210L, 210M, 210N, T210 and pressurized P210, each with distinct operating and maintenance considerations. In the used market, the Cessna 210 Centurion typically sits above fixed gear piston singles and below many cabin class twins in cost and complexity. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price of about EUR 256,000, with examples ranging from roughly EUR 56,000 to EUR 900,000 depending on variant, engine time, avionics and condition.