I have over 500hrs parachute flying, cross country etc in a normally aspirated low tail Lance.
It was probably one of the best compromise aeroplanes I have yet flown.
We operated off 800m of grass at Doncaster, took 5 skydivers to 10,000ft in about the same time as the Cessna 206. When we did formation loads, I would send the Cherokee 6 (260hp) off first, then the 206 and then me. I would coordinate the whole thing and it would keep up no problem.
Will tolerate a lot of weight - we did 4 adults and 3 kids (had 7 seats) from Guernsey to Biarritz and back on one tank - still had IFR reserves when we got back.
Easy to fly, comfortable, reasonably quiet, happy off grass or tarmac. Engine is bulletproof provided you observe simple precautions and do regular oil changes - 4 months/50hrs max.
Would cruise up in the 140's at about 11 gph leaned at 8,000'.
If you want a simple, practical load hauler with good all round performance and space, I wouldn't fault it
