Cessna 210 Centurion

Single Piston· 2,744 globally registered

The Cessna 210 Centurion holds the distinction of being the first single-engine civilian aircraft with a retractable landing gear to achieve truly widespread success, combining the simplicity of a high-wing design with the performance of a complex airplane. Produced from 1960 to 1986, the 210 was Cessna's answer to pilots who wanted cabin-class comfort and cross-country speed without stepping up to a twin. Early models featured a strutted wing, but the 1967 cantilever redesign gave the Centurion its signature clean lines and a cruise speed approaching 200 knots, remarkable for a six-seat piston single. What made the 210 genuinely versatile was its combination of a roomy cabin, useful load around 1,400 pounds, and a service ceiling near 28,000 feet with turbocharging. It became a favorite for backcountry operators, aerial survey work, and serious cross-country travel, equally at home on a grass strip in Alaska or flying IFR coast-to-coast. The turbocharged variants, introduced in 1966, allowed owners to cruise in the flight levels and maintain speed over the Rockies, a capability few singles could match. Over 9,000 Centurions were built across dozens of variants, making it one of the most successful high-performance singles in aviation history. The 210's operating envelope reflects its mission: VNE of 200 knots, VNO of 174 knots, and a stall speed as low as 57 knots with full flaps. It's faster than a Bonanza in cruise, roomier than a Skylane, and more forgiving than a Mooney, though the gear system and fuel management demand respect. Decades after production ended, the Centurion remains a capable traveling machine with a loyal following. SkyMeter has tracked 882 flights across 336 airframes and 304 operators, with HZL HANGER LLC the largest observed operator.