Cessna T210 Turbo Centurion

Single Piston· 715 globally registered

The Cessna 210 Centurion holds the distinction of being the first production single-engine aircraft with a retractable landing gear to achieve widespread success in general aviation, combining the efficiency of a complex airplane with the simplicity of single-engine operation. Manufactured by Cessna from 1960 through 1986, the 210 evolved through numerous variants including the turbocharged T210 series, which added a Continental TSIO-520 engine capable of maintaining sea-level power to higher altitudes. The type became a favorite among serious cross-country pilots and small charter operators who needed to carry four to six occupants over long distances at speeds approaching 200 knots true airspeed, with service ceilings above 20,000 feet in turbocharged models. The Centurion's high-wing configuration provided excellent visibility and cabin access, while its rugged construction and relatively forgiving handling characteristics made it a practical choice for owner-pilots stepping up from fixed-gear singles. Though production ended in the 1980s, the 210 remains popular in the used market for its combination of speed, payload, and single-engine economics. SkyMeter has tracked 808 flights across 326 airframes and 311 operators, with SPECTRA Q LLC the largest observed operator.