Cargo Pod on a 206
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Cargo Pod on a 206
Was wondering if someone could tell me from their personal experience what effect the cargo pod will have on the performance / speed of a Cessna 206?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Ours has one, and when i enquired about getting it removed (because its useless for anything other than slabs of beer, it fills with water despite being re-sealed a few times, and gets covered in carbon and oil), I was told there is no point in removing it as there is no performance gain.
I dont believe this and would also like to hear about anyones experiences with and without.
NB: I am talking about a 206H, have flown older 206's with and without but its hard to compare them as they were too varied in year / time since overhaul / amount of times they have been bent etc.
I dont believe this and would also like to hear about anyones experiences with and without.
NB: I am talking about a 206H, have flown older 206's with and without but its hard to compare them as they were too varied in year / time since overhaul / amount of times they have been bent etc.
Don't forget to check the fuel drains inside the front (small) access doors when the pods fitted. Quite often missed.
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I've flown both with and without, different model aircraft though but no noticeable difference in performance. They can fit a surprisingly large amount of cargo in, providing you don't mind squeezing it into the corners, and it getting a bit dirty. I reckon all 206's should have them!
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Be very careful to tie anything in the pod down really tight, the surprise that one gets with a randomly shifting C of G is not a nice surprise.
Change of underpants stuff.
Change of underpants stuff.
Flight manual supplement for a U206F states a speed differential in TAS of -4 knots for power settings of 75%, 65% and 55% and -5 knots for 45%
Also says to expact 45ft/min less climb performance from that stated in the charts.
Also says to expact 45ft/min less climb performance from that stated in the charts.
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Thanks for the comments and the reference. Was tossing up whether to remove it for the season when it's not required to give me a few extra knows. Cost v speed v hassle.
There is definitely a difference!
We operate 2 x U206Gs of 1980 vintage. One does 130-135 (no pod), the other does 120 (with pod).
I will concede the podded machine has been bent a few times....
We operate 2 x U206Gs of 1980 vintage. One does 130-135 (no pod), the other does 120 (with pod).
I will concede the podded machine has been bent a few times....
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We cruise around 120kts with the pod. We also have the bonair conversion, means you can run at 300hp all day. Runs closer to 130kts.
T28D, what were you carrying in your pod? Balls of lead?
Its only a small pod and max weight is 100kgs. The C of G change is tiny when stuff moves in there, if it can move at all. Mind you, I'm used to carrying bags that you have to "persuade" into the pod.
Pods are also great for bringing the C of G forward. You have 6 people in that plane, plus baggage, you will end up with the tail on the ground.
T28D, what were you carrying in your pod? Balls of lead?
Its only a small pod and max weight is 100kgs. The C of G change is tiny when stuff moves in there, if it can move at all. Mind you, I'm used to carrying bags that you have to "persuade" into the pod.
Pods are also great for bringing the C of G forward. You have 6 people in that plane, plus baggage, you will end up with the tail on the ground.
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Flew a TU206G with and without the pod. No noticeable difference.
We had a naturally aspirated 206F with a pod that was faster than the turbo without the pod. The airframe counts for a lot more than the pod.
We had a naturally aspirated 206F with a pod that was faster than the turbo without the pod. The airframe counts for a lot more than the pod.
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Years ago we had a mixture of 206's with and without pod's. I used to notice on the longer sectors (1- 1.5 hrs) that you might be 3 or 4 mins slower with the pod, on the shorter sectors I could never see the difference in time or fuel. I recon anything lost in performance is more than made up for with the extra bit of room, and the ability to get a bit more heavy stuff further forward. I remember them being like they were made for 30 packs.
Don't forget to check the fuel drains inside the front (small) access doors when the pods fitted. Quite often missed.
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Question from a potential passenger.
What size luggage can squeeze thru the door of the 206 cargo pod? Someone told me it has to be 24 inch by 12 inche or less. I'd appreciate getting the real info. from the pros.
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
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U206G with belly pod
Would agree with some of the comments about the increase in versatility, vastly outweighing the performance loss. Also enhances consistently correct CoG loading.
I haven't met an operator or pilot yet that would select a C206 for its speed (apart from C172 operators)
I haven't met an operator or pilot yet that would select a C206 for its speed (apart from C172 operators)
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Definitely not a lot in it with regards to speed enhancement.
I have seen different pods with different doors so what you can fit in would depend a little on the door size for the pod concerned and whether the cargo is 'squishable' or not. Baby goats can fit in - if that is any help...?
So long as their legs are restrained so that they can't kick the door open and exit mid-flight like some creatures have been known to do...!
Collector drains in the belly important to check. One of the only ways you will see the fuel leaking all over the pod if you have a cracked collector tank also...
I have seen different pods with different doors so what you can fit in would depend a little on the door size for the pod concerned and whether the cargo is 'squishable' or not. Baby goats can fit in - if that is any help...?
So long as their legs are restrained so that they can't kick the door open and exit mid-flight like some creatures have been known to do...!Collector drains in the belly important to check. One of the only ways you will see the fuel leaking all over the pod if you have a cracked collector tank also...
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This thread is now 2 years old, however I can report that we left in on there and were none the wiser in terms of speed and performance !
As for your question Newbie:
I'm not near it right now but can certainly get back to you.
As for your question Newbie:
What size luggage can squeeze thru the door of the 206 cargo pod? Someone told me it has to be 24 inch by 12 inche or less. I'd appreciate getting the real info. from the pros.