Our new to us 2001 T206H is in my hangar now and I got the insurance check out yesterday. My checkout was just that; until I was somewhat comfortable-no time limit. Wife's will be the same due to our owning/flying T210N for 22 yrs. Partner has lots of turbo Aztec (800) plus Cirrus, Champ etc and he needs 3 hrs check out. Wife and partner have to wait for busy CFI's schedule. USAIG required CFI to meet open pilot clause= 750 TT & 50 in make/model and broker confirmed model is specific to H model.

OBTW, first T&G I flew my std Husky pattern and the heavy 206 was a handful; CFI gave me an earful. Live and learn.

Now, making it ours:
1) First removed MLG wheel pants while waiting for CFI
2) now removing NLG wheel pant and fixing a few small squawks that I found
3) order Gamis; took T210N 200 past TBO and research/discussions prove big Lycs are no different.
4) then burn lots of gas and get very comfortable with deep slow flight and stalls for shorter landings.
5) install AirGlas with bigger tires.

Bigger tires: 70% paved RW/30% dirt/gravel/grass with "softer" backcountry trips with electric mountain bikes in cargo area=why we bought 206; that and we truly found a good partner
.
Will be installing 8.00x6 NLG & 8.50x6 MLG
Appreciate recommendations for tire brand and model/size. Won't be installing 21" Desser etc.
Thanks for any help.
Jack

Post some pictures! and put a tail skid on that machine. Just installing one now on our bird.

Cameron, you're right: I'll have to get wife to help with pics. Zane has told me several times how easy it is but I'm a little thick.

Ordering skid today.

thanks

My mission profile is very similar.

I do have some subtle shaking in cruise from the 8.50 Goodyear 856T61-1 mains, it's my only gripe. I have not noticed any issues with asphalt performance, my 182 had 8.00 mains, that's my only other experience. My other gripe is not being able to get the leak stop tubes in these sizes.

Also, I recommend practicing dead stick landings. The real-world glide ratio might surprise you.

The 206 flies much like a 182, but I used to land my 182 with a bit of power on, I have to chop the power completely in the flair on the 206 or it will float forever. That's with a Robertson though.

On the nose, seems there is a bit of debate between 7.00 and 8.00 paired with the 8.50 mains. I'm not sure if the airglas fork is longer relative to the axle position - ie: if the new fork alone will change the angle of attack on the ground in addition to a slightly taller tire. I can't imagine the difference would be immense, but my plane already sits a little tail low with the Gooyear Flight Custom III 706C66-3 7.00 in the stock fork.

The tail skid recommendation is a good one. You can load these things to where they are very light on the nose and they have a fair bit of elevator authority.

I don't have many poser shots on the ramp, here's one that shows how it looks with this tire arrangement.

Here is a picture of the Middle Fork Mod Skit installed. we made it removable so the Ventral fin can go back on for floats

It looks epic and we paint matched to the scheme. total investment is hefty tho..

I think a lot of people put a home made one on there.

CP that is one good looking 206 and the black wheels really set it off!!!

Thanks! A little bit of propeller black goes a long way! Works great for v braces and wheels.

If you don’t have it already I’d add a bit of hose on the nose wheel strut as a safe guard


Enjoy the plane, 206s are great aircraft


Interesting the insurance CFI requirement for the H, guess they had turbo related claims?


As far as the shake, try tapping the brakes when you get airborne