Cessna 206 Conversion

 

Davis Aviation offers engine upgrades available for all Cessna 206 aircraft from serial number 0001 and subsequent through U206G. (U206H models are not included). Our STC removes the IO-520 A or F and replaces it with the 300 HP continuous IO-550 F. This powerful engine is installed with your choice of various propeller options. The early model 206s may require some additional changes not needed on the later model aircraft.

Formerly known worldwide as the “Bonaire 550”, this conversion provides phenomenal performance with shorter takeoff roll, increased rate of climb, and faster cruise speeds. Basically, we picked up where Cessna left off when manufacturing stopped in the late 1980’s. Most of the older propellers have become obsolete and require replacement. The higher horsepower engine installed with the newer design propeller change, makes a cost effective difference for your Cessna 206 at minimal expense.

While any of the propeller options do well with an IO-550 engine, the Hartzell Top Prop and McCauley Black Mac models are designed more for takeoff and climb performance, where the Hartzell Scimitar is designed for cruise. The Hartzell 3 blade Super Scimitar is kind of the best of both worlds with the 82 inch diameter for takeoff and climb and swept blade for cruise. The larger diameter (above 82 inch diameter) McCauley will provide the best take off performance but will not provide as much change in cruise with the added diameter. The composite MT propeller is an 82 inch propeller and will perform similar to the other models. The real advantage of the MT propeller is the weight decrease. This propeller is about 26 lbs lighter than the other models. This will help improve your useful load. If you have upgraded your propeller already, generally the model you have installed is compatible with our IO-550 STC. Give us the model number of the existing propeller upgrade and we can determine compatibility.

Davis Aviation provides a propeller kit package for your convenience including new propeller, spinner assembly, tachometer, MP/FF gauge, silicone baffling, shock mounts, standard hoses firewall forward (firesleeving included if requested), miscellaneous hardware, placards and STC paperwork. (Extra prop only STC paperwork included if prop option is installed under different STC). If you have a compatible propeller, we can do a partial kit package without the propeller and spinner.

If you are not ready for an engine but need a propeller now, we can offer propeller only option that is compatible with the 550 engine at a later time (in most cases). The remainder of the IO-550 upgrade can be purchased, as you approach TBO, to complete the performance modification. Basically making the conversion in installments.

IO-550 Conversion Improvements

  • 400 inch lbs more torque over the IO-520 A or F engine/15% More Horsepower at Cruise.
  • Quieter operation: the noise level at 2700 RPM is greatly reduced with the 80 or 82 inch propellers.
  • 10-20 MPH additional cruise speed improvement depending on propeller choice.
  • 10%-20% better rate of climb at gross Continuous 300HP without limitations.
  • Short field take-off 10%-20% less at full gross weight.
  • Cost difference is normally offset by the added value to the plane.