Every aviation enthusiast knows that each airplane model possesses a unique personality, often accompanied by stereotypes. The V-tail Bonanza can either be a source of joy for its owners or unfairly labeled as a “doctor killer” by online critics. Similarly, the Cirrus is hailed as the future of general aviation by its proud owners or dismissed as a potential death trap by armchair experts on the internet. Appreciating airplanes, like art, is subjective.

So, when a friend recently inquired about my thoughts on the Cessna 210 Centurion, I paused for reflection. Having logged five years of flight time with this aircraft in the early 2000s, I felt both qualified to share my perspective and obligated to move beyond cliches. The Cessna 210 is the kind of airplane that elicits a love-hate relationship – its strengths are distinct, and its weaknesses can be frustrating. (Please note that the pressurized P210 model is excluded from this discussion, as it represents an entirely different class of aircraft, extensively analyzed by Richard Collins elsewhere.)

Love it

Firstly, let’s delve into the reasons to love the Cessna 210. While many pilots fixate on cruise speed and short field takeoff capabilities, what stood out to me was the 210’s remarkable load-hauling ability, a true breakthrough in performance. During a typical journey, I could top off the tanks with 90 gallons of fuel, providing nearly five hours of flight with reserve. What set the 210 apart was that full fuel didn’t translate to empty seats; I could comfortably accommodate nearly 1000 lbs. in the cabin, including four 200 lb. adults and ample baggage – a feat not easily achievable with most comparable aircraft.

Moreover, the spacious cabin allowed for creative cargo configurations. I vividly recall transporting two people and a complete 4 ft.-long cornhole set to Put-in-Bay, a small island in Lake Erie. The 210’s versatility made it a favorite for check-hauling operations, criss-crossing the country with cabins laden with canceled checks. Loading cargo was a breeze with the strut-free high wing, embodying the original “if it fits, it ships” spirit of aviation.

The truck-like handling, often criticized for its heavy yoke feel, was, in my opinion, a distinctive feature. While the 210 may not be mistaken for a sporty Bonanza, its ability to maintain steady flight made it an excellent choice for instrument flying. Coupled with full deicing capabilities, a trip into Washington Dulles showcased the aircraft’s prowess. Navigating an honest-to-goodness holding pattern and smoothly handling the challenges of IMC and light turbulence, the 210 proved its mettle. Landing at Washington Dulles, surprising the controller with a swift 150 knots on final, sealed the deal for me. The 210 wasn’t just an airplane; it was a confident companion in the sky.

Passengers shared in the joy of flying the 210, captivated by the unobstructed views provided by the high-wing design. The sleek aesthetics of the 210, in my opinion, make it Cessna’s most visually appealing single-engine aircraft, offering a distinct charm on the ramp.

Hate it

However, as in life, compromises are inevitable in aviation, and the 210 is no exception. Maintenance emerges as a significant point of contention for potential owners. Approaching the annual inspection with the mindset of a Cessna 172 owner will lead to quick disappointment. The fuel system complexity, especially in turbocharged models, and the challenge of finding certain parts add to the maintenance woes. Many 210s, having served as freight airplanes, carry a history of minimal maintenance, compounding the issue.

Undoubtedly, the Achilles’ heel of the Cessna 210 is its landing gear. The intricate process of folding the wheels into the fuselage demands meticulous maintenance. An inexperienced mechanic’s oversight can escalate a minor issue into a major in-flight problem. Conversely, a haphazard “throw parts at it” approach can turn a routine inspection into a costly $30,000 event. Landing gear doors, in particular, can be a source of frustration for new mechanics.

From the pilot’s perspective, there are compromises compared to more modern aircraft like the Cirrus SR22. The 210’s complexity, with multiple controls for gear, prop, and cowl flaps, demands extra attention during flights. While manageable, the additional workload becomes evident during single-pilot IFR flights. The accident record sadly reflects instances of gear-up landings, some attributable to mechanical failure but many to inattention and procedural lapses. Such accidents are virtually impossible in a Cirrus.

Not coming back

The Cessna 210 Centurion, certified 60 years ago, underwent numerous design changes over its 27-year production span, transforming from a bump-nosed airplane with strut-braced wings into a sleek cross-country traveler. However, despite its evolution, the absence of a modern version speaks volumes. Cessna, reviving the 172 and 182, chose not to resurrect the 210.

The unfortunate reality is that a 210 manufactured today wouldn’t likely find a market. Cessna hinted at the costliness of the fully cantilevered wing, evident in their current single-engine airplanes featuring strut-braced wings. Under contemporary certification standards, the full fuel payload of a modern 210 would likely be significantly lower. With escalating costs and increased regulations, envisioning a million-dollar 210 with restricted payload capacity seems unlikely.

Cessna, opting for a different strategy, acquired the Columbia 350/400 series, attempting to rival Cirrus. Despite its excellent performance, this venture ended in failure, leading to another production line closure. Perhaps the answer lies in a high-performance high-wing design, departing from the low-wing composite trend.

For now, the Centurion endures as an aging yet refined aircraft. For owners committed to meticulous maintenance and proficiency, it promises good cruise speed, impressive load-hauling capabilities, and a straightforward flying experience. While I may hesitate to own one again, the prospect of taking to the skies in a 210 remains an alluring proposition. Join the E3 Aviation community – a vibrant collective of passionate aviators sharing the love for aviation’s unique blend of education, entertainment, and community.