Heh, get a quote on overhauling a Lyc turbo 540 in the newer 206's.

Type cert for the piston Helio was just sold to a group in Alaska.
That airplane is actually amazing. I'd take it over the 206

That’s great to hear about the Helio. Awesome planes, but probably pretty slow compared to a 206. I hope they put the Helio back in production or at least start making parts.

No worse than OH 2 IO-360s...

and it is only 800 SMOH

OTOH, if you prefer a smaller motor:

https://www.controller.com/listings/air ... elio-h-700

1100 hours on a TIO 540 J2B for 30 grand less.

Heck, a TIO 540 might be better than an IO-720 in the mountains....



RAS

Seriously, either is probably a better plane than a 206 for hauling 2 elk out of a dirt strip, for about the same price as a 206.

If the Helio was better you would see air taxi operators using them.

I think the problem is finding pilots that can fly them.
I used to base in Spartanburg,SC. Larry Montgomery bought and sold Helios there. If there was a fly in or air show he would put on a demonstration with one of his Helios.

I seriously doubt a 206 could do what he could do with a Helio.

Not a statement of which is better, they have different uses, but I think finding the right pilot/mechanic and parts would be a lot easier, for an air taxi, with a 206.

STC cargo door mod for the C206.

https://youtu.be/DYJ2BRoeaVk

I decided against the 206.

I’m sticking with my 79 182Q.

couldn't find one with a suitably painted cowl ?

For back country would you take the 182 over the cub?

For back country would you take the 182 over the cub?

Did you put a chute on your 182?

True, there are significantly different missions in backcountry flying.

The "Frank" is primarily designed to give you access to the wilderness for other activities like hunting, fishing, camping, hiking etc, not to give you a place to get your big stud flying trophies..... though there is plenty of that going on.... especially at the several 'type' fly ins. But there's always a couple guys in Tundra Tire Carbon Cubs that have to go around at Johnson Creek which always entertains.

In the Frank Church Wilderness, you cannot land anywhere but a designated airstrip. There are perhaps 20 or 30 strips in there of which only 3 or 4 (mile hi, dewey moore, vines), are more supercub strips. Even those have been tackled with 206s and 182s but it aint smart in my opinion. The next 5 most challenging ones (cougar, marble, lower loon, soldier, Deadwood) take confidence in your abilities but the plane is up to it if you are. The next 5 (cabin, mahoney, indian, sulphur, Donnelly,) are relatively easy but don't necessarily look like it from the air. The rest of them (landmark, big creek, smiley creek, chamberlain, Johnson) are all pretty much 300 yard par 4s..... though there have already been a few bogeys this summer. Even the easy ones have their own unique challenges..... DA etc. You absolutely don't need a taildragger in the Frank but you will look and feel cool for sure.

In many other parts of Idaho, there are places where you can land on any sandbar or gravel bar you want. Those are your SuperCub spots. The Owyhees are a popular spot for that. That is sport flying.... nothing wrong with that. You rarely see those guys actually get out of the plane and "touch indians".

Did you put a chute on your 182?

You will like the folding seats.