T206H Stationair vs PC-6 Porter
The PC-6 Porter leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation T206H Stationair (introduced 1998) against the Pilatus Aircraft PC-6 Porter (introduced 1959) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PC-6 Porter carries more passengers. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
T206H Stationair vs PC-6 Porter: the key differences
- The T206H Stationair delivers 5% more range (T206H Stationair: 693 nm; PC-6 Porter: 660 nm).
- The T206H Stationair delivers 22% more cruise speed (T206H Stationair: 155 kt; PC-6 Porter: 127 kt).
- The PC-6 Porter delivers 67% more passenger capacity (T206H Stationair: 6 seats; PC-6 Porter: 10 seats).
- The T206H Stationair is the newer design (introduced 1998 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter), a gap of 39 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PC-6 Porter is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (6,173 lbs versus 3,600 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the PC-6 Porter seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the T206H Stationair when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PC-6 Porter when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the T206H Stationair holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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T206H Stationair vs PC-6 Porter: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the T206H Stationair or the PC-6 Porter?
The T206H Stationair has the longer published range — 693 nm versus 660 nm for the PC-6 Porter.
Does the T206H Stationair or PC-6 Porter seat more passengers?
The PC-6 Porter carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 6 on the T206H Stationair.
Which is faster, the T206H Stationair or the PC-6 Porter?
The T206H Stationair cruises faster, at 155 kt versus 127 kt for the PC-6 Porter.
Which is newer, the T206H Stationair or the PC-6 Porter?
The T206H Stationair is the newer design, introduced in 1998 versus 1959 for the PC-6 Porter.
Is the T206H Stationair or the PC-6 Porter the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PC-6 Porter is the larger aircraft — 6,173 lbs versus 3,600 lbs for the T206H Stationair.
Should I buy the T206H Stationair or the PC-6 Porter?
Choose the T206H Stationair when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PC-6 Porter when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the T206H Stationair holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the T206H Stationair vs PC-6 Porter?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.