Skylane Cessna 182
The 182 is praised for its moderate speed and relatively easy maintenance. Resources for owners include: NTSB (.gov) Parts Catalogs: illustrated parts catalogs
To meet the demands of different pilots, Cessna introduced notable variations of the 182 airframe: Turbo Skylane (T182T)
The Cessna 182 was born from a desire to improve upon the tailwheel Cessna 180. By introducing a tricycle landing gear configuration, Cessna made the aircraft significantly easier to land and taxi, especially in crosswinds. This design choice opened up private piloting to a much broader audience.
| | Estimated Hourly Cost (2026) | Annual Cost (100 Hours) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Fuel & Oil (12.5 GPH @ $6/Gal) | $80 - $90 | $8,000 - $9,000 | | Engine Reserve (TBO ~$45,000) | $35 - $45 | $3,500 - $4,500 | | Maintenance & Inspections | $25 - $35 | $2,500 - $3,500 | | Hangar/Tie-down | $15 - $25 | $1,500 - $2,500 | | Insurance | $15 - $25 | $1,500 - $2,500 | | Total Estimated "All-in" Cost | $180 - $220 | $18,000 - $22,000 |
The is one of the most popular and versatile four-seat, single-engine aircraft ever produced. Introduced in 1956, it is essentially a more powerful and capable evolution of the Cessna 172, designed for cross-country travel with a higher payload and faster cruise speed. Key Specifications (Modern 182T Model) Engine: Lycoming IO-540-AB1A5 (230 hp). Seating: 4 people (1 pilot, 3 passengers). Cruise Speed: ~145 knots (167 mph). Useful Load: ~1,100 lbs. Range: ~800–930 nautical miles (approx. 1,720 km). Takeoff Distance: ~1,500 feet. Operational Highlights skylane cessna 182
Standard systems feature the Garmin GFC 700 autopilot, reducing pilot workload dramatically on long cross-country flights.
The Cessna 182 Skylane: The Ultimate Aviation Workhorse The Cessna 182 Skylane stands as one of the most successful and enduring aircraft in aviation history. Introduced in 1956, this four-seat, single-engine airplane has earned a legendary reputation for reliability, versatility, and rugged capability. Whether you are a private pilot flying family weekend trips, a flight school providing advanced training, or a commercial operator flying into rugged backcountry strips, the Skylane delivers.
The Cessna 182 strikes an ideal balance between speed, payload, and short-field performance. It is frequently referred to as the ultimate "mission" airplane for private pilots.
It holds value exceptionally well – the 182 is a in aviation. The 182 is praised for its moderate speed
The Cessna 182 Skylane is not the flashiest, fastest, or most economical plane. But it is arguably the most single-engine piston aircraft ever made for the average pilot who needs to actually go places with stuff .
She wasn't the sleekest bird on the ramp, but she was sturdy. To Elias, the 182 was the "pickup truck of the skies"—strong enough to carry a full load of fuel and four adults without breaking a sweat, yet gentle enough to forgive a bounced landing.
The airframe is notoriously reliable, but prospective buyers must budget for annual inspections, insurance, and hangar fees. The Time Between Overhaul (TBO) for the Lycoming IO-540 engine is 2,000 hours, and a complete engine overhaul can cost upwards of $40,000 to $60,000.
Produced from 1978 to 1986, the Retractable Gear (RG) variant features a hydraulic system that tucks the wheels into the fuselage. By eliminating parasitic drag, the R182 gains roughly 10–15 knots in cruise speed compared to its fixed-gear counterpart. Cessna also offered a turbocharged retractable version (TR182), which remains highly sought after on the used market. Operating and Maintenance Considerations This design choice opened up private piloting to
Over its long production history, variants have included the Skylane RG (retractable gear) and Turbo Skylane (for high-altitude performance). Ownership & Cost Considerations
Almost every general aviation mechanic on the planet knows how to fix a 182. Parts are highly accessible, making ownership far less of a headache than rarer airframes. 👎 The Realities of Ownership
Are you considering the 182?
Bladder extensions that push endurance past seven hours of flight time. The Modern Skylane: Glass Cockpits and Premium Comfort
"The Cessna 182 Skylane is a legendary high-wing aircraft produced by Cessna. Known for its rugged construction and excellent short-field performance, the Skylane serves as a capable cross-country touring aircraft and a reliable platform for flight training."
