The Best Used 6-Seaters for Every Mission

Good morning! Something big might be happening today over at Cirrus Aircraft. Maybe it’s the debut of the SR22 G8, maybe it’s an entirely new model… or maybe they just added a few cup holders to the current SR lineup. Either way, we should know more by midday.

In the meantime, please enjoy the latest video from the Flybuyer YouTube Channel—my review of a Cirrus SR22T G6. 🛩️

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Is the 6-Seat Market Aviation’s Best Kept Secret?

• Around the Skies: Coalition calls for ATC overhaul, Joby proves eVTOL can cruise, NTSB releases preliminary report on Rob Holland crash, Airlines are now cannibalizing their own jets, Washington’s aircraft tax plan stirs pushback, United wants FAA to tame Newark chaos

• PilotTube: Behind the Scenes at the World's Busiest Airport Tower

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Need More Cabin Space? Start Here.

If you’re looking to level up your flying game beyond four-seat limitations, the world of used six-seaters is full of utility, range and (surprisingly) some solid values. Whether you're hauling family, clients, gear or just want room to stretch out, these aircraft let you fly farther, faster and with more payload than your trusty 182 ever could. From rugged backcountry haulers to sleek pressurized singles and light jets, there’s a six-seater out there with your mission in mind.

Among piston singles, the Beechcraft Bonanza A36 stands out, blending a smooth ride with refined cabin space and solid cruise speeds around 170 knots. With seating for six and a reputation for handling like a dream, it’s long been a favorite among pilots who want something a step above the typical trainer. The Cessna 206 Stationair brings a different flavor—less polished, more rugged. Its massive rear cargo doors and high useful load make it a go-to for jump pilots, bush operators and anyone needing to haul serious gear. Meanwhile, the Piper Cherokee Six and Malibu Mirage each offer their own appeal. The Cherokee Six keeps things simple and reliable, while the pressurized Mirage delivers altitude comfort and nearly 1,000 nautical miles of range, making it a compelling option for longer legs.

If you’re ready to tackle multi-engine ownership, the Beechcraft B55 Baron is often the gateway into twin performance. While its rear seats are best suited for kids or cargo, its overall capability and handling are hard to beat. The Piper Turbo Seneca II adds turbocharged engines and "club seating" to the mix, improving comfort and utility for passengers. For a bit more speed and ramp appeal, the Cessna 310R offers a sleek profile, a 223-knot cruise and a strong heritage dating back to Cessna’s first postwar twin design.

Moving into turboprop territory, options like the Piper Meridian and TBM 700 give piston pilots a logical next step. The Meridian delivers pressurized comfort with the trusted PT6A turbine engine and a cruise speed of 260 knots. The TBM 700 takes things even further with 700 shaft horsepower and a maximum range of 1,350 nautical miles, all wrapped in a sleek airframe that is equally at home on a corporate ramp or a backcountry strip. For bigger missions, the King Air C90 remains a workhorse of the fleet, favored for its reliability, twin-engine redundancy and ability to carry significant payloads.

For those dreaming of jet ownership, models like the Cessna Citation Mustang and CJ1 offer single-pilot simplicity with serious speed. The Mustang, often called the original personal jet, is an approachable platform for new jet pilots and typically outfitted with a familiar Garmin cockpit. The CJ1 adds range, speed, and more cabin flexibility while keeping operations straightforward. The Eclipse 500, with its ultra-low fuel burn and nimble handling, makes a strong case for budget-conscious jet buyers. And at the upper end, the Embraer Phenom 100 blends style, performance and a well-appointed cabin that feels anything but entry-level.

Whether your mission calls for backcountry cargo hauls, high-altitude pressurized comfort or a first step into turbine or jet operations, the used six-seat market is full of aircraft that punch above their price tags. With the right pick, you are not just gaining seats—you are unlocking entirely new possibilities.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ The Air Traffic Control Association and 45 aviation groups are rallying lawmakers to give the National Airspace System a much-needed upgrade. In a letter to Senators Cruz and Moran, the coalition calls for stronger safety standards, modernized ATC infrastructure and protection from government shutdown disruptions. Their wish list includes better technology, faster hiring and stable funding, because training controllers mid-shutdown is not exactly ideal.

🛩️ Joby Aviation has completed its first piloted transition flights, proving its electric air taxi can shift from vertical takeoff to winged cruise and back with ease. Test pilot “Buddy” Denham called it smooth and low-stress—just how flying taxis should be. Backed by thousands of test hours and simulated failures, Joby’s aircraft performed exactly as designed.

🛩️ The NTSB has released its preliminary findings into the tragic crash that claimed the life of aerobatic legend Rob Holland. On approach to Langley Air Force Base for an upcoming airshow, Holland’s MXS aircraft unexpectedly pitched up and rolled before crashing just beyond the runway. Investigators discovered that a key elevator counterweight plug had dislodged mid-flight—potentially causing a catastrophic control failure. While the final cause is still months away, the early report hints at a heartbreaking mechanical issue during what should have been a routine arrival for one of aviation’s most celebrated pilots.

🛩️ With supply chains in disarray and engine shortages grounding fleets, airlines are getting scrappy—literally. In an industry first, an Airbus A220-300 (a fairly new jet!) was torn down for parts to keep others flying, thanks to ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney’s PW1500G engines. Delays in aircraft deliveries, titanium shortages and a thinned-out MRO workforce have pushed the industry into full-blown MacGyver mode.

🛩️ A proposed 10 percent tax on non-commercial aircraft over $500,000 is drawing sharp criticism from aviation groups in Washington State. Opponents say the measure mislabels essential aircraft as luxury items and would hurt farmers, medevac pilots, flight schools and volunteer networks. A coalition of six major organizations has urged Governor Ferguson to veto the bill. They argue the tax punishes the very aircraft that keep rural communities connected and emergency services flying.

🛩️ After a week of delays, cancellations and what looked like a quiet controller rebellion, United Airlines is urging the FAA to declare Newark a slot-controlled Level 3 airport. CEO Scott Kirby says it’s time to bring order to the madness by limiting takeoffs and landings like at LaGuardia and JFK. While long-term fixes to the ATC system are in the works, United wants short-term relief before Newark turns into the Wild West of air travel.

PilotTube

At Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, just 58 air traffic controllers manage more than 900,000 takeoffs and landings each year. Every decision carries enormous weight, with mistakes rippling across the country and beyond. A few years back, Business Insider climbed into America's tallest control tower to see how they do it. It is a high-pressure, high-adventure job where precision keeps the world moving.

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